Pearly Yellowhead Jawfish Goby
The Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) is a fascinating and highly sought-after species known for its unique behavior and vibrant coloration. With a brilliant yellow head and a pearly blue body, this fish is a true centerpiece for any marine aquarium.
The Yellowhead Jawfish is renowned for its charming habit of building a burrow in the sand bed, which it meticulously maintains and defends. It spends its day hovering vertically just above the entrance, darting down headfirst into its home when startled.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Species | Opistognathus aurifrons |
| Coloration | Yellow head, pearly blue body |
| Behavior | Burrow builder; active in sand bed |
| Compatibility | Community reef tanks with deep sand bed and rubble |
FAQ
What kind of substrate does the Yellowhead Jawfish need?
The Yellowhead Jawfish requires a deep sand bed with plenty of rubble to build and maintain its burrow.
Is the Yellowhead Jawfish aggressive toward other fish?
No, the Yellowhead Jawfish is peaceful and well-suited for community reef tanks.
How does the Yellowhead Jawfish behave in its environment?
It spends most of its time hovering vertically above its burrow entrance and darts down headfirst when startled.

Adrian Ince –
The Yellowhead Jawfish is a stunning addition to my reef tank. It quickly built a burrow in the sand and is very active during the day. It doesn’t interfere with other fish and looks beautiful with the vibrant yellow head and pearly blue body. A must-have for any marine enthusiast.
Wendy Payne –
I’ve had this fish for three months now and it’s still active and healthy. It’s very curious and always near the sand bed. The burrow is well-maintained, and it’s a great visual focal point in the tank.
Carol Mitchell –
The coloration is exactly as described—bright yellow head and clean pearly blue body. It’s peaceful and doesn’t stress other inhabitants. I love watching it hover above the sand and dive in when startled.