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Yellowhead Jawfish

Yellowed jawfish

Opistognathus aurifrons

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Fun Facts

These fish are fairly territorial when it comes to protecting their burrows and belongings. They never stray far from their burrows in case they need protection from predators like eels, lionfish and triggerfish.

Species Type:

Fishes

Common Name(s):

Yellowed jawfish

Size:

Yellowed jawfish have been measured in at a max length of around 4 inches (10 centimeters).

Diet:

Yellowed jawfish feed on plankton, fish eggs and pelagic jellyfish.

Range & Habitat:

This species is most commonly found in coral reef communities in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Western Atlantic.

Details:

Yellowed jawfish are saltwater fish that are commonly found along coastal reef communities. Their bodies are a light blue color while their heads are bright yellow, giving them their name. 

This species creates a burrow of crush coral and sand and hovers above it when it’s ready to breed with another fish. The male fish will court the female and store/protect the eggs in his mouth until they’re ready to hatch.