The Blue Spotted Jawfish, scientifically known as Opistognathus rosenblatti, is a visually striking fish with captivating features. It has a maximum size of around 3 inches (7.6 centimetres), making it relatively small in the marine world. The most notable characteristic of this species is its rich orange colouration, adorned with distinctive blue spots across its body.
Taxonomy
The Blue Spotted Jawfish belongs to the genus Opistognathus and is a member of the family Opistognathidae. Within its genus, it shares identifying features such as a protruding lower jaw and a slender body. The closest relatives of the Blue Spotted Jawfish include other jawfish species found in similar marine environments. The scientific name Opistognathus rosenblatti is derived from a combination of Latin and the name of renowned marine biologist Richard H. Rosenblatt.
Natural Habitat
In its natural habitat, the Blue Spotted Jawfish inhabits shallow coastal areas and coral reefs. Its surroundings are filled with a vibrant array of coral formations, ranging from delicate branching corals to massive boulder corals. These areas provide ample hiding spots and shelter for the jawfish, as it prefers to construct and reside within its burrow.
Keeping Blue Spotted Jawfish Healthy:
The care level for Blue Spotted Jawfish is considered moderate, requiring some attention to ensure their well-being. They thrive in a marine aquarium with stable water parameters, including a temperature range of 75-80°F (24-27°C) and a pH level between 8.1 and 8.4. Maintaining appropriate salinity levels around 1.025 specific gravity is crucial for their health. Regular water changes and adequate filtration are essential to maintain water quality.
Special Requirements and Feeding
Blue Spotted Jawfish have specific requirements to promote their overall health and vitality. They prefer a sandy substrate in the aquarium to enable their natural burrowing behaviour. Providing suitable hiding places, such as a coconut shell or blenny home, allows the jawfish to feel secure and reduce stress.
Feeding the Blue Spotted Jawfish is relatively straightforward, as they readily accept a diet consisting of small meaty foods. Offer a variety of live or frozen foods, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or shrimp. Providing a balanced diet rich in nutrients helps to ensure their optimal growth and vibrant colouration.
How Many Should I Keep?
When considering the number of Blue Spotted Jawfish to keep, it is essential to provide each fish with sufficient space and territory. Due to their territorial nature, it is advisable to house only one jawfish per tank, unless in a large and well-established aquarium with ample hiding spots.
Behaviour
Blue Spotted Jawfish are full of charisma and fascinating to observe as they interact with their environment. They spend a significant amount of time near their burrow, often popping in and out to survey their surroundings like a grumpy old man fussing about his lawn. Providing a suitable burrowing substrate and additional hiding places mimics their natural behaviour and creates a comfortable habitat.
Lighting Preference
Blue Spotted Jawfish thrive under moderate to high lighting conditions. This enables them to showcase their vibrant blue colouration and enhances the overall aesthetics of the aquarium. Providing a combination of natural daylight and appropriate aquarium lighting fixtures supports their well-being.
Suitable Tank Mates
When selecting tank mates for Blue Spotted Jawfish, compatibility is crucial. Avoid aggressive or larger fish that may intimidate or harm the jawfish. Suitable companions can include peaceful reef fish, and other non-aggressive species that inhabit different levels of the aquarium.
Reproduction in the Wild
Blue Spotted Jawfish, scientifically known as Opistognathus rosenblatti, exhibit interesting reproductive behaviours in the wild. They are known to be monogamous, forming pair bonds during the breeding season. This species follows an egg-guarding reproductive strategy, where the male assumes the primary responsibility of caring for the eggs.
Breeding Opistognathus rosenblatti:
- Set Up:
To successfully breed Blue Spotted Jawfish in captivity, a well-maintained marine aquarium with appropriate conditions is necessary. The tank should have a sandy substrate and ample hiding spots, such as small caves or PVC pipes, to mimic the jawfish’s natural burrowing behaviour. The water temperature should be maintained between 75-80°F (24-27°C), and the pH level should range from 8.1 to 8.4.
- Courtship/Spawning:
Courtship behaviour in Blue Spotted Jawfish involves a series of intricate movements and displays. The male jawfish initiates the courtship by performing a “headstand” display, where it positions its body vertically and vibrates. This behaviour signals its readiness to breed. The female responds by performing a circular dance around the male, showing her acceptance.
Once courtship is successful, spawning occurs. The female releases a cloud of eggs while the male simultaneously releases sperm to fertilize them. The male quickly collects the fertilized eggs in his mouth and carries them inside his buccal cavity for incubation and protection.
- Rearing:
The male diligently guards the eggs, not eating during this period, which typically lasts around 7-10 days. He periodically opens his mouth to aerate the eggs and remove any debris. Once the eggs hatch, tiny larvae emerge, resembling miniature transparent versions of the adults. At this point, the larvae become pelagic, drifting in the water column before eventually settling to the substrate.
Sexual Dimorphism
Blue Spotted Jawfish do not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, meaning the physical differences between males and females are minimal. Both genders possess similar vibrant blue spots on their bodies. The main distinction lies in their reproductive roles, with the male being responsible for incubating and protecting the eggs.
Distribution
The Blue Spotted Jawfish, Opistognathus rosenblatti, is native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Its natural range includes the waters off the coast of Mexico, specifically in the Gulf of California. While there may be captive bred and line bred strains available, the original fish originate from this region.
Summary
The Blue Spotted Jawfish, Opistognathus rosenblatti, is a captivating marine species known for its vibrant blue pattern and unique reproductive behaviours. In the wild, they form monogamous pair bonds and practice egg-guarding, with the male taking on the responsibility of caring for the eggs. Breeding Blue Spotted Jawfish in captivity requires a well-maintained marine aquarium with appropriate conditions. During courtship, the male performs a distinctive headstand display, and spawning occurs when the female releases a cloud of eggs. The male collects and incubates the fertilized eggs in his mouth until they hatch. The Blue Spotted Jawfish is native to the Eastern Pacific, particularly the waters off the coast of Mexico. While captive bred and line bred strains may be available, the original fish originate from this region.
Dry Goods Delivery.
The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:
- Dispatch Timeframe: Orders placed before 2pm will be dispatched on the same day. Orders placed after 2pm will be dispatched on the next working day.
- Delivery Date and Time Guarantee: While the store aims to dispatch orders promptly, they cannot guarantee a specific delivery date and time. As the delivery process relies on couriers, there may be factors beyond their control that could affect the delivery timeframe.
- 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
- 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
- APC Next Day Delivery: APC Next Day delivery is available for UK mainland postcodes. It is usually delivered on the next working day after dispatch. However, please note that items being delivered to more remote areas may require additional time for delivery.
It’s important to keep in mind that while the store strives to provide efficient delivery services, unforeseen circumstances or external factors could potentially impact delivery times. For further details or specific inquiries about delivery, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Livestock Delivery.
The store maintains specific policies regarding the delivery of livestock. Here are the key points:
- Licensed Livestock Courier: The store exclusively uses a licensed livestock courier for shipping fish and coral. This approach is chosen to ensure responsible and ethical transportation of the livestock.
- Livestock Shipping Fee: The livestock shipping fee charged to customers of £19.99 does not cover the true cost, and therefore, there is a minimum spend requirement of £30.00 before the option for livestock shipping becomes available.
- Pre-Arranged Delivery: The store never ships livestock without first arranging a suitable delivery day. Before dispatching the livestock, the store must confirm the agreed-upon delivery day with the customer.
- Saturday Delivery Confirmation: Customers who choose Saturday delivery must have their availability confirmed for the upcoming Saturday before the store sends out the livestock. This confirmation ensures that the livestock can be received promptly.
- Failure to wait for livestock: Not waiting for livestock, even if there is a reasonable delay, or cancelling an order after it has been dispatched will lead to you incurring charges for an emergency return to the base. Additionally, any losses of livestock will also be charged to you. Please be aware that the items you are ordering are living creatures – livestock. We kindly ask that you refrain from ordering livestock if you are unable to accommodate the possibility of a delayed delivery.
These terms and conditions are a fundamental aspect of our policy. Our primary goal is to dissuade individuals who could react negatively to a delayed delivery and subsequently request order cancellations. It is of utmost importance to underscore that your order pertains to living creatures, not mere inanimate objects. In the event of an occasional delay, it is crucial that you respond in a rational and responsible manner, taking into account the welfare of the livestock. We kindly request that you refrain from placing an order for livestock if you tend to react strongly to such situations. By proceeding with the order of livestock, you indicate your acceptance and agreement to abide by these specified terms and conditions.
- Signature Requirement: Livestock deliveries require a signature upon receipt and cannot be left in a safe location. This precaution ensures proper handling and the well-being of the livestock.
- Geographic Restrictions: The courier has strict geographic restrictions for livestock deliveries. Unfortunately, deliveries to Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and certain Scottish offshore postcodes may not be possible. Customers are encouraged to contact the store via email to confirm if livestock delivery is available in their area.
- Minimum Order Value and Order Cancellations: The store has a minimum order value of £30 for livestock shipping. Additionally, the store reserves the right to cancel orders that are deemed high-risk or involve a high number of single tropical freshwater fish species.
It is essential for customers to familiarize themselves with these policies before making a purchase. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or reach out to the store directly for clarification.
Livestock Geographical Exemptions.
The store has specific geographical exemptions for livestock deliveries. Here is a list of the areas and postcodes where livestock delivery is not available:
- Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
- Postcodes: Livestock delivery is not available to the following postcodes:
- AB30 to AB39, AB41 to AB45, AB51 to AB56
- DD8 to DD10
- BT all
- DG3 to DG9, DG12 to DG14
- KA18 to KA19, KA26, KA29 to KA30
- HS all
- IM all
- JE all
- ZE all
- KW15 to KW17
- TD9
- FK17 to FK21
- GY all
- KA26, to KA28
- PA20 to PA38, PA41 to PA49, PA60 to PA61, PA76 to PA78
- TR21, to TR25
- PH3 to PH26, PH30 to PH44
- IV all
Customers residing in these areas should be aware that livestock delivery is not available to their location.
We can ship livestock to the Isle of Wight, this area is subject to a surcharge.
For further information or specific inquiries about livestock delivery to a particular area, customers are advised to contact the store directly for clarification.
Cancellation.
According to the store’s policy, customers have the right to cancel an order within 14 working days of receiving the goods. To initiate the cancellation, the goods must be returned to the store in new and unused condition, adhering to their Returns Policy.
Important points regarding the return process are as follows:
- Return Condition: The goods must be returned in new and unused condition, as originally received. It is important to ensure that the goods are in the same condition as when they were sent out.
- Return Timeframe: The goods must be received by the store within 21 days of notifying them about the cancellation. During this time, customers are responsible for any loss or damage that may occur during the return shipping process.
- Refund Process: Once the store receives the goods in new and unused condition, they will initiate the refund process. The purchase price will be refunded to the customer.
- Return Condition Inspection: If the returned goods arrive in a condition that is less than what they were sent out in, the store reserves the right to return the goods to the customer, and no refund will be processed.
It is essential for customers to carefully review the store’s Returns Policy and follow the specified procedures to ensure a smooth and successful return and refund process. For more detailed information or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Returns.
According to the store’s return policy, the following guidelines should be followed for returning goods:
- Use Returns Form: Customers need to use the store’s provided returns form to initiate the return process. This form helps the store acknowledge that the goods are being sent back.
- Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
- Refund of Postage Fees: The store will only refund postage fees if the order arrives damaged or becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of purchase. Proof of posting is important, and customers should ensure the goods are well-packed and obtain proof of posting as the goods remain their responsibility until received by the store.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Replacement: If goods are being returned within 7 days of purchase under the Replacement Policy, the store can refund postage costs. However, the customer needs to agree on a delivery service with the store in advance, and only standard or tracked shipping fees will be refunded. The store cannot refund the cost of any special delivery service.
- Non-Refundable Postage: Postage costs for goods returned for any other reason than those mentioned above are non-refundable. The store reserves the right to deduct the original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Mistaken Purchases: If a customer has made a mistake in their purchase, they need to return the goods to the store. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs in such cases.
It is important for customers to carefully follow the store’s return procedures and terms and conditions. For further details or specific inquiries, customers should refer to the store’s website or contact the store directly.
Replacements
If customers receive faulty goods, the following guidelines apply according to the store’s policy:
- Notification of Faulty Goods: Customers must notify the store within 7 working days if they receive faulty goods. This notification should be made as soon as possible.
- Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
- Return of Goods: If replacement parts are not possible, the store may request customers to return the faulty goods in accordance with their Returns Policy. The specific return procedures and conditions should be followed.
- Verification of Damage: Once the store receives the returned goods, they will verify the damage. If the damage is confirmed, the store will supply the required replacements.
- Return Postage Costs: If the goods returned to the store are found to be in good working order, the store is not able to refund the return postage costs. Additionally, the store reserves the right to deduct their original postage cost from any applicable refund.
- Consequential Loss or Damage: The store cannot take responsibility for any consequential loss or damage that arises directly or indirectly from the goods supplied.
Customers should carefully review and adhere to the store’s Returns Policy and procedures for returning faulty goods. For further clarification or specific inquiries, customers should consult the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Manufacturer’s Guarantees
The store works in collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that their guarantees are honored, and they make their best efforts to resolve issues within the warranty period. The following guidelines apply to refunds and replacements:
- Postage Costs under Manufacturer’s Guarantee: Postage costs can only be refunded if the goods are returned to the store within 7 days of the original purchase, as per the manufacturer’s guarantee.
- Refund of Postage Costs for Faulty Goods: The store will refund postage costs for guarantee/warranty returns only if the product becomes faulty within the first 4 weeks of receipt.
- Replacements with Manufacturer Authorization: Replacements, whether parts or goods, can only be offered when authorized by the manufacturer. Customers should contact the store for further guidance in such cases.
- Prior Approval for Returns: Goods should not be returned to the store without prior approval. Customers need to contact the store and obtain approval before returning any items.
- Replacement of Glass or Ceramic Items: Glass or ceramic items can only be replaced if the store is notified within 48 hours of receiving the delivery.
- Replacement of Glass Bulbs/Tubes: Glass bulbs or tubes can only be replaced if they become faulty within 14 days.
Customers should note and adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and efficient resolution of any issues with their purchased items. For specific inquiries or further information, customers are advised to refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Breakages
According to the store’s policy, customers have the following responsibilities regarding breakages:
- Checking Goods on Arrival: It is the customer’s responsibility to thoroughly check the goods upon arrival for any damage. This should be done before signing for the parcel. If the parcel appears damaged, it is advised not to sign for it.
- Reporting Breakages: Any breakages or damages must be reported to the store within 48 hours of receiving the goods. It is important to promptly notify the store to initiate the resolution process.
By carefully inspecting the goods upon arrival and reporting any breakages within the specified timeframe, customers can ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address the issue. For specific instructions on reporting breakages or further information, customers should refer to the store’s terms and conditions or contact the store directly.
Chris –
Excellent little character, very busy fish loves making his dens in the coral sand, not phased by any other fish but very placid.
Patrick –
A fish with a great personality, very peaceful and very fun to watch feeding!
Nikki Beattie –
I received my Blue Spot Jawfish this morning straight to my door. The delivery driver Tim was amazing and took great care dropping her (Annie) off to my door, the online process was truly that of an Omni experience, packaging and care leaflet was fantastic even down to the details of her heat pad to keep her warm. My blue spot is amazing, colours are unreal she’s so happy and healthy and the best edition to my tank busy building already! Abyss team thank you I’m delighted
Lee Super Fish Man –
I had one of these little guys delivered to me a couple of weeks ago, one of my ‘must have fish’ for a long time. I also got a couple of Aquaroche Jawfish houses after the advice from the guys at Abyss, amazing charater and one fish that everyone loves when they come round to the house! Thanks again Abyss