Jawfish didn’t make it – suggestions ?

[mling]

I got a Jawfish 2 days ago and I found it dead this morning. It did not die from carpet surfing as I’ve got the surface pretty well covered. It was a small Yellowhead, about 1 ½ inches. My tank is only 2 month old and I’ve have had Ammonia and Nitrite at zero for over a month now. I also have ,cleaning crew, 2 shrimps and corals do nicely for about a month now. I therefore think my tank is cycled, though I am aware that some schools of thought suggest waiting for 6 months. This is my first fish since I read that Jawfishes are less stressed when they are the first fish in the tank.

I have the same substrate as the National Aquarium’s Jawfish exhibit so I don’t think that is a problem. I also have the live rock sitting on PVC cones so as to avoid a cave in, I did acclimatize it for a little over an hour when it was introduced 2 days ago. It seem to have been doing well, though it had not built a barrow yet. But I was told it may take a few days for it to do that. I do have lots of coral pieces for it to use to build a barrow. I also know that I am not home free until I see a barrow.

I would like to get another one for one more try. I would also like to get advise from other Jawfish owners before getting it. My 5 year old has been looking forward to this Jawfish for months and I would rather not have her experience another death. Thanks in advance.

 

[Anonymous]

Sometimes just the stresses of collection, shipping and multiple tank transfers will do a fish in. It may not have been anything you did wrong at all.

 

[wade1]

Very frequently with the jawfishes. They are burrow dwelling and are usually captured with chemicals that anesthitize them.

Wade

 

[Anonymous]

Yup, to collect these little guys they often do unethical things. I thoght mine had died. I put him in my tank and didn't see him for a week. Then one morning i woke up and there was a burrow and a happy little yellow headed jawfish in it. These are great fish, sooo funny to watch. I hope it goes well with your next one.

 

[Anonymous]

mling, aren't you still fighting an algea bloom? I noted that you said your water param's are good, but if your still having algea blooms, something's wrong.

Hold off for a while and let the tank settle down. Then you can add your jawfish with confidence.

Ohh, and PLEASE stop letting a 5yr old decide what to put in the tank!

 

[insearch]

I obtained my duskey Jaw about 1 week ago. I also had 2 allen damsels in the tank at this time and one was very dominant. The jawfish had a problem at 1st trying to find a location the damsel just would not leave him alone. So he found a spot in the rear of the tank and started to burrow. Now keep in mind this was all in the same afternoon. I did not like the location he chose so that evening I basically filled his hole in and made him move and at this time the damsel started in again. So what I ended up doing is letting the damsel chase him around until he was resting in a desirable location and the turned the lights out. When I woke up the next morning he was dug in and allready had shells around his hole.
I geuss my point is that I pretty much stressed the hell out of this pour guy and he is doing just great. I do think that it is not something you did. Anyway I hope this helped.

 

[mling]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guy at the LFS where I bought the Jawfish suggested that I either get the Jawfish the day it arrives at the shop, without is taken out of the shipping container OR to let it stay at the shop’s tank for at least 5 days before buying it. This is a PetCo, but it is one where the guy and manager looking after the fishes has a reef tank and not just high school kid trying on a summer job. This is why I go there even though there is a nearer one. I am inclined to take the latter suggestion of waiting at least 5 days. Is this a good idea when buying live stock ?

Oh, my tank did get past the algea bloom over a week ago.