Yellowhead jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)

Scientific name: Opistognathus aurifrons Jordan & Thompson, 1905

Yellowhead jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons)

The Yellowhead jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) is a marine fish of the family Opistognathidae that grows to about 10.2 cm (4 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 40 L (11 US gal) and water at 22.2–27.8°C (72–82°F). Native range: Tropical Western Atlantic, Caribbean sea.

Yellowhead jawfish care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Good
Adult size
10.2 cm (4 in)
Minimum tank
40 L (11 US gal)
Temperature
22.2–27.8°C (72–82°F)
Hardness
8–12 dGH (143–214 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 11; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 14 - 15. Body light bluish gray with numerous pale blue dots; head, nape and anterior part of dorsal fin yellow; a pair of black spots often present on chin.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Opistognathus aurifrons
Family
Opistognathidae (Jawfishes)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
10.0
Depth range
3–40 m (10–131 ft)
Environment
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 40 m, usually 3 - 40 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Western Central Atlantic: southern Florida, USA and Bahamas to Barbados and northern South America.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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