Mixing Jawfish Question 11/19/2008
Hello Crew,
<Hi Riley, Mich here>
The yellow headed Jawfish is probably my favorite fish,
<Is one of my favorites too!>
and I was thinking of adding five of them to form a colony in my 120 gallon (the 60" 18" footprint) FOWLR system.
<Sounds awesome! Presumably you know these fish have a propensity for jumping and need a deep sand bed for borrowing.>
Would this number work?
<I would think, I have seen them this dense in the wild.>
Also, I can't seem to find good info about mixing different Jawfish species, so I was wondering if other types of Jawfish such as the bluespotted, dusky, and black cap could be mixed in as well, if there were five yellow head and 1 each of the others?
<Hmm, I don't have any personal experience mixing any of these congenerics.
But if you do so, do so cautiously and have a way to separate these fish if need be. Some of these fish are known to fight conspecifics to the death.>
If these would be too crowded together, would one of each of the different Jawfish work?
<I think you have a greater chance of success if you stick with one species, the Yellowheaded or the Dusky would be the best choices.>
If they can't be mixed, what would be the most Yellowheaded Jawfish I could have in my tank?
<I think 5 of the Yellowheaded is good place to start, you might be able to add more, but I think it's better to be conservative.>
The tank mates at the present would be a pair of Ocellaris clownfish and 7 Green Chromis. If the chromis' aggressive eating habits would spook the Jawfish too much, <Just make sure some of the food gets low in the tank to allow the Jawfish
to eat without straying too far from their borrows.>
my club members would be happy to buy them from me.
<Is always good to have a back up plan!>
What would be some good schooling tank mates?
<Cardinalfish>
I was thinking maybe some orange striped cardinal fish would be nice.
<I think this is an excellent choice!>
thanks,
Riley
<Welcome,
Michelle>

Tiger Jawfish selection and compatibility 09/27/2008
Hey!
<<Good morning, Andrew today>>
I have a couple of questions for the pros. :)
<<Lets get to work then...>>
First of all, is it better for a fish if a person buys it right when it gets to the LFS (still in the original bag)?
<<Nope. This should never be done as the fish will not of gone through shop quarantine, no idea on how healthy the fish is>>
Though these fish are expensive, it seems that it would be most healthy for the fish to be acclimated and "relocated" as few times as possible, thus exposed to less stress, pathogens, etc.
<<That is a logical way to think on it. However, we do need to be sure that what we are buying is healthy, eats fine etc etc before purchase>>
Many people have told me to wait until the fish is eating and lively in the retailer's tank.
<<I would agree with that>>
Is there any reason for this besides saving money? Since there is no guarantee that the animal will adjust well to the customer's tank, why not buy it right away if it looks healthy in the bag(of course quarantining it before introducing it to the main tank)? I want to do what is most favorable for my fish. Money is not nearly as important to me as their contentment and health.
<<See above>>
Secondly, I just bought a four inch long Tiger Jawfish.
<<Superb, such a great fish indeed>>
He is in quarantine right now, but is destined for my 55 gallon "TV"(yes, I am addicted. I watch my aquarium for an average of three hours a day. Obsessed, yes. Proud of it? HECK YES!)
<<Heeeeeeeeeee>>
The Catch-22 is that I have a 2 inch skunk cleaner shrimp living in the TV. Lol. That sounds ridiculous. Anyway, do you think the Jawfish will enjoy delicacy-o-prawn as well as the new digs when I introduce him? He has a huge mouth and I don't want him to decide that "Cocktail" is the perfect size for it.
<<The shrimp will be safe enough with this fish>>
And lastly, I was looking on your clownfish diseases page, but I couldn't diagnose the condition on my 2 inch maroon clown. She (I assume it is a she b/c there is no competition for dominance)has a pale vertical streak of white near her tail(and no, it isn't one of her stripes. ;) that is very slowly growing.
<<Ok>>
A small fuzzy white ball about the size of the ball on a ball-point-pen appeared in the middle of the streak a couple days ago. I did a full water change in the quarantine tank last night, suspecting that the problem is fungal. Then I gave her a fresh-water dip for five minutes...she didn't exactly appreciate that too much. But I noticed that during the dip she produced excessive slime coat.
<<Ok, not problem with this reaction>>
I held her in my hand and moved her back and forth to keep her gills clear. Then I rubbed the ball gently and it fell off, revealing a small red wound underneath.
<<As i would expect there to be>>
It appears that the fungus was eating through the skin. Is this possible? Or is it more likely that the fungus grew from the wound after it was created? If you think the was fed by the wound, then what is the white streak?
<<Sounds more like an external parasite. Please read here, paying attention to the parasitic agents. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/clnfshdisart.htm >>
Thank you so much for your time and thoughts!
Brielle
<<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A Nixon>>

Jawfish/Systems/Compatibility 2/15/08
Hey Guys,
<Hi Jason>
Love your site.
<Thanks>
I recently purchased my second Blue Spot Jawfish for my 24G mini-reef (more on the first BSJ, which died, in a bit). The BSJ shares the tank with a very peaceful Chalk Bass. The fish get along fine and there is no problem with food competition when I target feed with a baster. There is  an abundance of soft coral (zoo's, recordia <Ricordea>) and two nice hammer corals in the tank. Pretty deep sand bed (7" in front) and a pretty uncluttered layout, with an open area in the front of the tank. The tank is well covered to prevent jumping. In my opinion, it is about as good a Jawfish environment as one can create in a tank this size.
<Sounds good.>
Before I ask my question, I need to jump back about 8 months. Last summer, I bought a very healthy BSJ and watched it waste away in the same tank, finally dying after a long 6 weeks. Although I did not know at the time, there seems to be a decent amount of anecdotal
evidence<http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jawfishsysfaqs.htm> suggesting that the BSJ is a "cool" water fish, better suited to 72-76F temps than the typical 78-81F tropical tank (the temp of my tank the last time around). Indeed, the slow deterioration of my last BSJ seems consistent with the "wasting" one might see with an overheating fish.
<Could very well have been caused by shipping/handling stress.>
In preparation of buying the new BSJ, I lowered my tank temp to about 76F.
Neither the corals nor the chalk bass seemed to mind, and the BSJ has acclimated extremely well since being added last week. At any rate, here is my question: how much lower do you think I can bring my temperature down before I start to risk the Chalk Bass and the very typical assortment of softies and hammers I have in the tank? My main concern is that temps get a little harder for me to control in the summer months despite having air conditioning. If I could get the tank down to about 74F by spring, I'd feel extremely good about the BSJ's chances...but I don't want to jeapordize <jeopardize> the rest of the life in the tank. How low can I go?
<Between 72-78 would be acceptable for all your animals.>
Thanks,
<You're welcome. James (Salty Dog)>
Jason

Jawfish/Goby and pistol shrimp combo 01/09/2008
Hey guys and gals how are things?
<<Hello, Andrew here>>
I have a couple questions this morning. I've been doing a lot of research regarding Jawfish, and also have a love for the shrimp/goby relationship. The FAQ's have provided me great knowledge regarding these animals.<<Great to hear>> But, I still have a couple questions. I've been playing with marine aquariums for over five years now, and have set up three of four tanks due to moving and travel. Unfortunately, until now I had no idea that the rockwork is better placed on the glass rather than the substrate. <<A lesson well learned>>
My tank has been sitting for about 2 months with no fish, it's 40 gallons with 50ish lbs of live rock. (1/2 of which is either touching bottom glass or very close to it from digging liverock into substrate)
I also have Goniopora, Button polyps, green star polyps, and mushrooms. I have created a 6"-7" DSB about 9" square away from the liverock for the Jawfish to build his den, sand bed is about 2" elsewhere. Now for the questions.
With this setup will a Jawfish build his den in the desired location?
<<Stands a good chance, nothing is certain though>>
If not will it put my rock structure in danger of shifting and damaging my tank?
<<If the fish digs under rock which is only supported by sand, then yes>>
If so, would the pistol shrimp/ goby combo be a better fit?
<<The pistol will dig just the same as the Jawfish>>
Lastly, if both the Jawfish and pistol/goby are o.k. in my conditions would it be at all possible for me to have both?
<<Yes, given good tank size and big enough deep sand, should be fine>>
Thanks again for everything you provide, any help as always is greatly appreciated.
Steve
<<Thanks for the questions, A Nixon>>

Re: Jawfish/Goby and pistol shrimp combo 01/09/2008
Thanks for the quick response Andrew, greatly appreciated.
<<No problem>>
If I dig under the liverock so it will be in direct contact with the bottom of the tank will the concern about the Jawfish and goby/pistol be laid to rest?
<<Yes, that will be better>>
thanks again,
Steve
<<Thanks, A Nixon>>

Follow-up Re: Crab Removal, and now Jawfish compatibility issues – 12/17/07
Good morning Lynn,
<Good afternoon, David!>
So, I removed my crab infested rock.
<Excellent.>
I wanted to get the crab out 'manually' without waiting for the crab trap to work or not work, as my quarantine tank wouldn't have beneficial lighting for the small corals beginning to grow. It took about 20 minutes with the rock out of water... but I finally got the big crab out with a screw driver and didn't come across any of the smaller crabs.
<Heeee! Probably hiding from the giant silver “claw”!>
At this point, the other crabs don't appear to be at a size where they could do damage.
<Yep, probably okay for now, but do keep an eye on.>
The big crab is now in my 200g tank and I'm willing to bet he'll fall prey to the Harlequin Tuskfish before the Snowflake Eel gets to him. I also relocated my huge banded serpent star, who lately has been hiding in a small cave arched ~ I recall reading Green Brittles hiding in caves and arching and then collapsing onto unsuspecting fish
<Yes, indeed, and it gives me the creeps. I must have watched too many monster movies as a kid!>
... so figured it'd be best to move him too.
<Good thinking.>
My reef tank is coming together now and my soft coral polyps seem to be doing well after 3 weeks. Just wanted a suggestion. I do plan to add several more corals to my 90g tank w/30 gallon sump.
Current inhabitants:
2 x yellow headed Jawfish <Love these fish!>
1 fairy wrasse
1 Kole tang
1 small blue yellow-tailed damsel
1 Coral Banded Shrimp
and a few small hermits.
I do have two False Percula Clowns and a large Yellow Watchman Goby in a 24g bowfront nano tank. I moved them out to allow the Jawfish plenty of time to get settled as the last time I introduced a single yellow headed Jawfish to my tank, the outcome reminded me of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
<Ah yes, I remember reading about that. I believe the suspects included one of the Clowns and a Dottyback.>
With new liverock, the addition of a wavebox, and the aquascaping entirely redone, the Clowns would definitely be the new kids on the block.
<Good plan.>
The Jawfish have been nicely settled sharing two side by side burrows for the past 2 months.
<Awesome.>
So, my questions, now that you have my novel of background information:
<Heeee.. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."! Seriously, it’s better to give us too much info rather than too little!>
Do you think the two False Percula Clowns would now fit in nicely with this mix... likely leaving the Jawfish alone?
<With the steps you’ve wisely taken, I think they’ll do fine. It’s possible, though, that the larger Clown could try to bully the two Jawfish if she decides she likes their part of the tank. Hopefully, it won’t be a problem, but if she does get overly aggressive, take her/the pair back out. At least Clowns are easier to catch than Jawfish!>
Do you think adding the large Yellow Watchman Goby would work with the Jawfish burrowed at the far back corner of the tank? Once that goby's in the tank, to get him out would mean dismantling all of the liverock.
<Yep, that wouldn’t be pretty. Watchman gobies don't usually go after other species, so given the fact that the Jawfish are at the far end of the tank, you should be okay.>
I realize that additional corals would in a sense, increase the bio load on the tank.
<Yes.>
Am I appropriately stocked? Overstocked assuming the Clownfish move in?
<How large are they?>
Assuming the Yellow Watchman also moves in?
<You’d be maxed out on fish, for sure. I think you might be one tang, or possibly a clown and a half, over the limit. Excellent husbandry and observation are going to be key. Do keep an eye on your water parameters, and general behavior/health of the fish. If they’re crowded, you’ll notice behavior problems/nipping/aggression, and/or disease/various maladies showing up.>
I certainly won't be adding additional fish... but will likely add some more small hermits.
<A couple would likely be okay, but frankly I wouldn’t add anything else for a while. Let the tank settle in with this bioload and see how it goes.>
David Brynlund
<Take care -Lynn>

Jawfish tankmates -11/18/07
Hello all,
<Steve>
I have had some unfortunate circumstances with my tank recently.
(previous question to you is attached below)
The one positive circumstance that this bad situation has offered me, is to start fresh and create the "perfect" tank environment for the fish that I want. I have been reading a lot on your website, and one other about Jawfish. Which, I must say I love already and cannot wait to get a couple of the little guys. Anyway, my questions are regarding appropriate tankmates. I've come to realize that choosing appropriate mates for a Jawfish is a must, and I would just like some specifics. After I introduce the Jawfish first, I would like to add a blackcap Basslet, as well as two Banggai cardinals, and two Ocellaris. Throughout readings I have discovered that Banggai's and Ocellaris should be quite suitable. But, I have noticed that blackcap's may not be. What I've done is created a cave for the Basslet (due to their need to be covered from lighting) which is located a considerable distance from my deeper sandbed (about 5") where I hope the Jawfishes will burrow. My question is will this situation provide an appropriate environment for my new fishies. Thanks again for all your help, and providing everyone with such great information.
Steve
<The Basslet and all else here should get along fine... if this system is large enough... Sixty or more gallons let's say. Bob Fenner>

Jawfish killing help  11/6/07
Hi I have a question about my Jawfish to see if you might could help me. My current tank inhabitants are: a small maroon clownfish, yellow goby, cardinal Banggai, royal Gramma and pearly Jawfish,
<Mmm, these last two...>
and a yellow tang in my 75 gal tank which have all gotten along fine. I also have two cleaner shrimp and a peppermint shrimp. A few weeks ago my dad noticed my Jawfish swimming upside down and very funny in the current which he never did. My dad took him out of the tank and the Jawfish was very easy to catch and put him in our quarantine tank. The Jawfish acted just fine in the quarantine tank and ate like normal. Yesterday we decided to put my Jawfish back into the tank and acclimated him. He was fine yesterday, although he was very hard to catch. My dad left the light on acclimating him this time because in one of our fish books it said to leave the light on for the Jawfish for him to be able to find a home. We normally do not do this but we did this time. This morning I found my cleaner shrimp eating on part of my Jawfish which was not in one piece. My question is do you have any idea what could have killed him?
<A best guess... the Gramma loreto... these two hail from overlapping habitats, but don't generally get along. Bob Fenner>

Jawfish compatibility– 09/17/07
I need some help with my stocking list. I have two reef tanks side by side, a 125 and a 30 cube. The 125 currently houses a yellow mimic tang, a canary wrasse, a Firefish, a royal Gramma, a pair of false Perculas, 4 Chromis, a cleaner shrimp and a fire shrimp. The 30 houses a single pearly Jawfish. I was considering adding a flame angel to the 125, but am at a loss for the 30. I love the jawfish's personality. He has become quite bold in leaving his burrow, especially at feeding time. I don't want to do anything to alter that. I thought that a pair of Banggai cardinals might make good roomies for the Jawfish, but although the body types are quite varied, that leaves me with three somewhat colorless fish. I really want something with a different body type that occupies more of the upper part of the tank, has some color (maybe purple or red), and will leave the Jawfish alone. I've always wanted a flame hawk but realize it would likely pester the Jawfish.
I'd also like to stay away from what I already have in the other tank.
Some thoughts that I had included:
pipefish or seahorse (I have a very large fuge)
<Mmm, maybe... perhaps a species found in the same range as the aurifrons>
fairy wrasse
<Nah... need more room>
mystery wrasse
canary blenny
assessor
<These three are too inactive to suit me>
Hopefully there's something similar out there that would make a reasonable tank mate.
Thanks,
Jeff
<I'd keep looking... no rush... BobF>

Stressed Jawfish Not Eating...Best Kept On Their Own, I Say – 08/31/07
Hi I had written you earlier about a Jawfish that I thought was dead because I had a yellow watchman goby in the same tank.
<<Mmm, yes...not the best of tankmates for these rather shy and peaceful fish (I’m assuming the species in question is Opistognathus aurifrons, the Yellow Head Jawfish)>>
The yellow headed Jawfish is still alive.
<<Ah! Guess I should read ahead [grin]. Okay, good...but for how long? Its chances are best in a species specific system...or at least housed with other smaller, not “too” active, and very peaceable species>>
They are both underneath the same rock right next two each other although different holes I think.
<<Yes...is most likely>>
The goby moved to that rock when we put the Jawfish in there.
<<The Goby views the Jawfish as a competitor for its food items>>
My question is; is there anything I need to do to get the Jawfish to come out of the rock.
<<Remove the Goby...or move the Jawfish to its own system>>
Occasionally I will see some sand move or him stick his head up to the top of the sand. That is the only reason I know he is alive. I have never seen him come up for food,
<<Though it won’t stray far, a happy and healthy Jawfish will extend from/leave its burrow to feed>>
although for the past few days I've been mixing some garlic flavor and brine shrimp in a turkey blaster and putting it right by his hole. Today, being Thursday has made it a week since I got him. I know fish can sometimes hide a week, but will he ever come out of the rock?
<<Maybe...maybe not... This situation is much like that when folks place Nemateleotris species of Dartfishes (commonly called Firefish) in systems with aggressive and/or boisterous fishes. Even if the Goby is not expressing direct aggression towards the Jawfish, just its presence/proximity may keep this shy fish from feeding properly. This along with induced stress will spell disaster for the Jawfish. There can be exceptions, but unless this fish adjusts/starts to feed actively soon...well...>>
I don't know what to do.
Thanks, LeAnne
<<I can only relate my opinions/experience, but in more than 30 years in the hobby I don’t recall ever seeing these fish do well in the long-term when kept with other large or boisterous fishes...especially other “substrate-dwellers.” They can be pugnacious at times with their own kind, but are usually intimidated very easily by other fishes. These are wonderful little fishes with very interesting behaviors that can be fascinating to observe especially when kept in groups, but is also a demanding species best kept in a specialized system...in my opinion. Do please read here and among the associated links at the top of the page (http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jawfishe.htm). Regards, EricR>>

Assembling A Jawfish Community... – 06/11/07
I am going to expand my salt water tank system. I am presently running a 50 gallon tank which I plan to attach to a new 90 gallon tank that has a sump and separate hang on refugium. Both tanks will have live rock and a deep sand bed.
<Sounds interesting>
My 50 gallon tank presently has 2 Percula Clowns, 5 Clown Gobies, a Yellow Watchman Goby, two Neon Gobies, 2 Peppermint and 1 Cleaner shrimp (and a few
soft corals, snails and hermit crabs)
<Quite a crowd of small, interesting fishes.>
I will be connecting the two tanks with a bridge which will allow fish and water to move between tanks.
<Neat.>
I want to put in a deep sand bed (6") for jaw fish in the 50 gallon tank. I have read that the material in the sand bed for jaw fish should be mixed size and include some larger items like shells.
<Correct.>
I will be putting the rock on the floor of the aquarium in both tanks to prevent any instability due to digging. Some people have noted that they use PVC pipe for the jaw fish. I
am thinking of doing this as well and creating an area in the tank with several 1 inch wide PVC pipes surrounded by an area of courser material. Do jaw fish prefer to live in close proximity or further away from each other?
<Some species are not very social, such as the Blue Spotted Jawfish (Opistognathus rosenblatti). Other species, such as the Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons), my personal favorite- do well in small groups.>
(I am thinking of 2-3 yellow headed jaw fish which would be added at the same time)
<Good call...>
I presently have a sand bed in the 50 gallon tank that is mixed size material--which is collecting too much detritus--so I was planning to clean the sand and sort out the larger material such as crushed shells. This larger material along with sand would be added to the area for the Jawfish.
(presuming I can get them to go to this area) I would like to put finer material in the other areas of the tank to prevent the buildup of detritus
in these areas.
<Okay..>
The 90 gallon tank and the refugium would both have 3" sand beds of fine sand. I am currently growing spaghetti algae and pods in a separate 10 gallon tank to use in the refugium once it is set up.
<Not a bad idea.>
I will be moving some of the pods to both tanks as well as keeping them in the refugium. The Jawfish would be the first fish added to the new system, but I would also like to add a dragonet (maybe two --a Green and a Spotted) and an Orange-spotted Blenny once the tanks are better established.
<I think that the Dragonets might be a bit of a problem- the Jawfish might harass them...Use caution. The Orange-spotted Blenny is a real hit-or-miss fish, in my experience. Some do great and acclimate well, others perish quickly in quarantine. Select carefully.>
Since everyone in the tank I have get along now (except one neon who chases the other--even though the fish store said two would be fine....) are there likely to be any
problems with this fish combination?
<As above.>
Maureen Baker Wilkinson
<Best of luck with this system. Hope to see some pics one day! Regards, Scott F.>

Yellowheaded Jawfish Compatibility   3/31/07
Afternoon,
<Still trying to awaken in HI...>
I'm considering how I can please my wife and add a Yellowheaded Jawfish (that she loves) to either of my two tanks.
90g soon to be reef tank:
100lbs liverock, 4" sandbed
2 False Perculas
1 Yellow Watchman Goby (about 4inches)
1 small yellow-tailed blue damsel  (had to be moved out of 200g tank because of Royal Dottyback bullying)
1 Coral Banded Shrimp
1 Banded Serpent Star
Assortment of snails and hermits
200g:
220lbs liverock, 4" sandbed
1 Snowflake Moray
1 Yellow Tang
1 Foxface
1 Royal Dottyback
1 Banded Serpent Star
3 Sand stars
** note I'm moving one sand star back into the 90gallon once I modify my 90g
I had an issue when trying to add a Yellowheaded Jawfish once before.  Either Dottyback and larger clown killed the Jawfish as they were both tearing him up the morning after I introduced him... or else he died due to stress and they were attacking his body.  Anyhow, once I renovate my 90gallon reef tank... I would be adding the Jawfish first and allowing him to settle for a week or two before adding any other fish.
<Sounds good, workable>
I figure the Jawfish would definitely have to be in the 90g... but am wondering if the Watchman Goby would be an issue as they both are bottom dwellers.  Is a standard 4ft x 18" bottom enough room for both bottom dwellers?
<Likely so...>
   If not, is the watchman goby suitable for the 200g with the Snowflake Eel?
<Mmm, I would not tempt the Echidna here... usually are non-fish eaters... however... Bob Fenner>
David Brynlund

Clown Goby loss... and Jawfish/Sexy Shrimp comp.   12/14/06
Hello again,
<Hi there Tom!  Mich with you again.>
I have to quick questions for you.
<Alrighty>
1. Are Pearly Jawfish compatible with Sexy Shrimp. The have quite big mouths and I was wondering if the temptation may be too great for them to bear.
<I don't think the Jawfish will go after the shrimp looking for a snack, but the Jawfish will defend its' burrow.  If the shrimp tries door to door sales, it could have an unpleasant encounter at the Jawfish residence.>
2. A while back I bought a Clown Goby. He seemed to transition fine and he was nice and active ( he was the first fish I added to my nano tank after the tank had cycled for about 7 weeks). All had gone fine for about the first 6 weeks, but then two days ago he seemed to not want to come out, so he stayed hidden the whole day. I didn't get too worried because I thought he might just need some "alone time". Then yesterday, he wouldn't stop swimming around. He stayed out the whole day, eating and doing what fish do. As the day went on he seemed to get a little pail <What did he do with the little pail? Hehehe! Maybe you meant pale!>. By night he still seemed as fishy as ever but his color had really faded. This morning I went over to look to see how he was doing, and to my dismay, he was lying on the tank floor dead! I have no idea what caused this. The levels in his tank are all where they should be. He doesn't have and other tank mates ( I had made a the nano tank just for him). The only other thing I can think to tell you is that when his color faded, only the green faded ( sorry I should have told you he was a green clown goby earlier). The red dots and stripes were still as bright as they usually were. If you have any insights they would be greatly appreciated.
<I'm sorry for your loss.  There is nothing that leads me to suspect anything particular contributed to his death.  Obviously there are many possibilities.>  
My apologies, this dragged on longer than I thought it would.
<No worries.>
Thanks for all the great work you do.
<A collective labor of love.  -Mich>
Tom

Re: Clown Goby loss... and Jawfish/Sexy Shrimp comp.   12/14/06
Hi Mich,
<Hi Tom!>
I was not planning on getting a soliciting shrimp :),
<Heee!>
but since it could happen do you think it would be better just to avoid Sexy Shrimp?
<It would eliminate potential problems.>
Do you think the Clown Goby may have just died of natural causes?
<Hopefully yes, but it's impossible to say.>
If you think he didn't are there any other thing I should check?
<Like no one wiped the outside of the tank down with bleach or accidentally spike the tank while spiking the eggnog?>
Maybe he was caught under his little pail :)?
<Could have been!>
Sorry about that last time, yes I did mean pale.
<It's OK, just having some fun with it!>
Thanks again.
<You're quite welcome.  -Mich>
Tom

Re: Clown Goby loss... and Jawfish/Sexy Shrimp comp.   12/14/06
Hello again Mich,
<Hi there Tom!>  
Alrighty, I will steer clear of the sexy shrimp for now.
<A good idea I think.>
If it was from a bleach wipe down, what's the longest you think it would take from the time of the wipe to the time of his death (just so I can do some investigating)?
<Hmm, not sure, would depend on many factor but I would say more than a few minutes to less than a couple of days, big range I know.>
The tank does get wiped down but I do not use cleaners. My thought is maybe someone else used the cloth with cleaners and didn't rinse the cloth.
<Would recommend a dedicated cloth or disposable paper products.>
Do you think that could be a cause?
<It's possible, but so are many other things.>
I'll be sure to put up a sign beside the tank that informs people that the fish doesn't drink to eliminate the other idea you had ;).
<Do a Google search on reef tanks and vodka, you will be amused!>
Thanks again.
<My pleasure.  -Mich>
Tom

Serpent Star and Jawfish compatibility  - 05/22/2006
Hello, I've perused the site for a definitive answer, but have only come up with 1) brittle stars and Jawfish can be problems, since both are benthic, but 2) most brittle stars, except the green brittle star are safe with fish.
<Some useful generalizations>
I have 2 tanks, the smaller is a 46G reef tank with several corals (Acropora, Goniopora, Frogspawn, green mushroom, a couple of polyp colonies, Xenia), 2 peppermint shrimp (wurdemanni) named Bubba and Gump,
<Good names>
2 Mithrax crabs (pinchy & sandy),
<Keep your eye/s on these...>
assorted snails and blue leg hermits, 2 green-blue chromis, and 1 black banded serpent star named Twinkle (Ophioderma longicaudum, I think). Names are courtesy of the kids.
Since setting up the tank, I have wanted to add a Jawfish. I have a 4" fine sandbed and am planning to raise it with courser materials. But I just read of the concerns about keeping with my star fish.
<Mmm...>
Please verify if it is inappropriate to add Jawfish with the star fish?
<Your system is more than "full up" livestock wise... if it were much larger... by a few times, I would not hesitate to add an Opistognathid>
Another question: when I got the tank there was a large number of small white feather dusters (maybe Bispira brunnea) on the rock. They proliferated all over, on the glass, some of the corals, even in the overflow until....I got the peppermint shrimp. The shrimp were acquired to tackle a growing Aiptasia infestation.
<... don't always stick to assigned tasks...>
They tackled that problem with due speed. But when done with the Aiptasia, I started noticing a decline, then nearly total disappearance of my feather duster population! Is it known that these shrimp eat feather dusters? All of them, or just this particular species? Any other explanation?
<"They come and they go"... could be predation at play here, or senescence alone, a lack of food stuffs... Bob Fenner>

Re: Serpent Star and Jawfish compatibility   5/23/06
Dear Bob,
Thank you for your help and the enormous resource you provide!
<Glad to share>
Surprised that the tank seems "full", it actually feels pretty "empty" since the organisms described all fairly small, and the appearance is of a large amount of live rock (about 60 lbs) but only scattered life, mostly the still modest sized corals.
<Mmm, there is much to say here... Most likely your Goniopora will die soon (don't have a crystal ball, but this is an easy speculation)... Will "challenge" this 46 system, occupants... would likely "take" the Jaw with it... How to begin again here... Please read: http://wetwebmedia.com/poritidselfaqs.htm
I am/was really simply trying to "stall you"... but am less reticent re telling you why at this point>
The inverts mostly hide during the day at least. And there are only 2 fish each about 1.5 in. But if you think it's stocked, I'll
lay off and maybe save the Jawfish for a planned 29G refugium I want to add to my other tank, a 120G FOWLR full of showy aggressive species.
<Ahh!>
As to the feather duster disappearance, although I never witnessed it, they were definitely eaten, and quickly.
<Likely the Mithrax/Mithraculus here>
Even their tubes are mostly gone, wiped clean off every nook and crevice of the rock. If I had thought them a pest (some sites have indicated small feather dusters can reach pest status) they were certainly cleaned up. Since they were thriving and always had their crowns out, right up until the shrimp had finished the Aiptasia, Bubba and Gump are the "creatures of interest." Could the Mithrax crabs also be suspects?
<Yes, most likely candidates>
They are original inhabitants and have been perfect citizens since I bought the tank contents about 5 months ago from a hobbyist getting out.
It would seem strange that they would suddenly turn on the feather dusters, just when the shrimp arrived. I'm just surprised since I haven't read anywhere about shrimp eating worms. But as they say, the creatures don't read books, or websites. Oh well.
<Please read here: http://wetwebmedia.com/mithraxfaqs.htm>
No need to reply unless you wish, thanks for your info on the Jawfish/star fish pairing!
Michael
<Mmm, do look into trading out the Flowerpot, or at least keep a close eye on it... And do investigate before buying livestock. Bob Fenner>

Jawfish 10/16/05
Hi I was wondering what would be the best setup for some Jawfish and what are some compatible tankmates in a 40 gallon aquarium. 
<Read here Steve. http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jawfishe.htm.  Good tankmates could be percula clownfish, the smaller gobies, Dottybacks etc. James (Salty Dog)>

Jawfish (Opistognathus sp.) and other stocking questions…
Hey Crew,
<Hello Aaron.>
I would like to know if I could house a Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) and what I would have to do to keep it healthy. 
<Please read here: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jawfishe.htm , as well as the FAQs at the top of the linked page.> 
I have a 49G bowfront FOWLR aquarium. It currently has 50 pounds of live rock and a 4-inch crushed coral sandbed. 
<I usually prefer to see 6 inches in a Jawfish tanks.> 
I have an Excalibur skimmer, an Emperor 400 power filter, 2 powerheads, all tests (Ph, ammonia, nitrate, etc.) are good, and the specific gravity is 1.022. I only have 30W of lighting, but I am planning on upgrading that. I am also planning on getting a UV sterilizer. 
<Not that I am against UV sterilizes (and some are) but make sure you are getting it for the right reasons (research) as many folks buy them and then realize later it was a waste of money, they aren’t necessary in all set-ups.> 
I have one false percula clown, one blue damsel, and one banded shrimp. I am planning on getting a Banggai cardinal 
<Tank-raised if possible please.>
a Firefish goby, 
<This fish will inhabit the same lower area as the Jawfish, you may want to reconsider this choice.> 
another false percula clown, a Bluegreen chromis, a tiger tail sea cucumber 
<May not have adequate food in a 50 gallon tank.> 
some bumblebee snails
  <I would prefer to use Cerith or Nassarius, bumble bees (in my opinion) have a larger, negative, effect on microfauna populations.> 
a blood red fire shrimp, and maybe a yellow Hawaiian tang or a bicolor angel. 
<Both of these choices would not be inappropriate. The tang will grow far to large and the bi-color is just not a hardy fish. However the pygmy angel idea may be a good one, just choose another angel within Centropyge genus.> 
Do you think that all of these fish will work in my tank? 
<Not the tang or angel.> 
If not, please tell me which ones or if there are too many. Also if there are any other neat fish (or other creature) that you could suggest for my tank (for the record, I am fairly new to the hobby), I would really appreciate it. I would appreciate a couple suggestions for good reference books as well.
<The contentious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner and Reef Invertebrates by Anthony Calfo and Robert Fenner are two of my favorite ones.>
<<Editor's note:  While many aquarists are certainly contentious, Bob's book is actually "The Conscientious Aquarist".  A spoof of the book, "The Contentious Aquarist" might be a fun read.  Marina>>
Thanks, Aaron
<No problem, and be sure to search the WetWebMedia site many of the questions you have are explained in much more detail within the articles as well as different opinions/perspectives in the FAQ’s. Adam J.> 

Jawfish Compatibility - 05/08/05
Greetings WWM folk, hope all is well!
Ok, so here goes.  I recently set up a 75 gal saltwater tank with about 25 lbs live rock and about a 4 inch sand bed.  The first inhabitants were a pair of tank-bred Perculas that I kept in a 12 gallon Eclipse.  They're doing great.  Then I added about 9 green Chromis. They are a very inexpensive fish and look great schooling.  So far everyone is happy.  Well the whole point of the tank was to house pearly Jawfish, maybe 4 or 5.
<Jawfish can be very territorial, I don't think you'll get away with this many in this size tank.  In fact, I think the problem you describe below is attributable to aggression between the two Jawfish you have now.>
So far I have 2 living there but they've had complete opposite reactions to their surroundings.
<As already stated, more likely reactions to each other.>
They both took to burrowing, however one can usually be seen spitting sand out of his hole whereas the other never comes out at all.  I can see the shy one hiding in his hole behind his little "door" but it's been a week and I don't think he has eaten.  I understand you can't keep Jawfish with fast swimmers but I've searched high and low, on this and many other sites, and can't find any ideal tankmates.  Any ideas?
<Tank mates should be of a "peaceful" nature, which in my book, clowns are not.  Have you had a read here yet?  http://www.wetwebmedia.com/jawfaqs.htm>
Pudge
<Regards, Eric R.>