Yellowhead Jawfish

£31.00

5-7cm

Yellowhead Jawfish, Opistognathus aurifrons

  • Common Name: Yellowhead Jawfish
  • Latin Name: Opistognathus aurifrons
  • Distribution: The Yellowhead Jawfish is naturally found in the western Atlantic Ocean, specifically in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Max Size: Yellowhead Jawfish can grow up to 4 inches (10 centimetres) in length.
  • Temperature Range: Yellowhead Jawfish prefer water temperatures between 75°F and 80°F (24°C – 27°C).
  • pH Range: They thrive in a pH range of 8.1 to 8.4.
  • Kh Range: Yellowhead Jawfish do well in a carbonate hardness (Kh) range of 8-12 dKH.
  • Care Level: They require moderate care and attention, as they are a bit on the delicate side.
  • Lighting Preference: Yellowhead Jawfish prefer moderate to high lighting conditions in the aquarium.
  • Preferred Food: Yellowhead Jawfish are carnivorous and primarily feed on small crustaceans and plankton in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a varied diet consisting of live or frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small meaty foods.
  • Behaviour: Yellowhead Jawfish are known for their fascinating burrowing behaviour. They create intricate burrows in the substrate and spend most of their time near or inside their burrows. They are relatively peaceful and generally tolerate tank mates well.
  • Suitable for Reef Tanks: Yes, Yellowhead Jawfish are suitable for reef tanks as long as the tank is properly established with live rock and a sandy substrate that allows them to dig their burrows.
  • Interesting Facts:
  • They are part of the Opistognathus genus, which includes several species of jawfish known for their burrowing behaviour.

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DRY GOODS

Aquarium plants can be shipped under the same shipping rules as dry goods.

Free shipping on orders over £50 (may exclude some aquariums)  Geographical restrictions may apply

LIVESTOCK = Fish, Critters and Corals

Minimum order value £30Delivery charge £19.99. Delivery days Are Varied At The Moment.  We will contact you to confirm your delivery day. Some geographical restrictions apply See shipping

Aquarium Plants: Are shipped the same as and can be mixed with Dry goods *Free shipping on orders over £50 or £6.99 for orders under £50. Some geographical restrictions may apply.

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The Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) is a visually striking species with a maximum size of around 4 inches (10 centimetres). It has a slender body and a distinct yellow-coloured head, which gives it its common name. The body is typically pale or light brown with darker markings and spots.

Taxonomy

The Yellowhead Jawfish belongs to the family Opistognathidae, which consists of various species of jawfishes. Its closest relatives include other members of the Opistognathus genus. The genus name “Opistognathus” comes from the Greek words “opisthen” meaning “behind” and “gnathos” meaning “jaw,” referring to the position of the lower jaw extending behind the upper jaw. The species name “aurifrons” is derived from the Latin words “aurum” meaning “gold” and “frons” meaning “forehead,” describing the yellow head colouration.

Natural Habitat

In their natural habitat, Yellowhead Jawfish are found in sandy or rubble areas with scattered coral formations. They typically inhabit shallow coastal waters and reef slopes. Their burrowing behaviour allows them to create and occupy burrows in the substrate, which serves as their shelter and breeding ground.

Keeping Yellowhead Jawfish Healthy

Yellowhead Jawfish require moderate care and are considered moderately difficult to keep in aquariums. They thrive in water temperatures ranging from 75-80°F (24-27°C) and prefer a pH range of 8.1-8.4. Maintaining stable water parameters and providing a well-maintained marine aquarium with appropriate filtration is essential for their well-being.

Special Requirements and Feeding

Yellowhead Jawfish require a sandy substrate in the aquarium to allow them to dig and create their burrows. Providing suitable hiding spots, such as coconut shells or blenny homes, helps mimic their natural habitat and makes them feel more secure. They are carnivorous and primarily feed on small meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or shrimp. Offering a varied diet will help ensure their nutritional needs are met.

How Many Should I Keep?

Yellowhead Jawfish are best kept singly or as a mated pair. Keeping more than one male in the same tank can lead to territorial disputes and aggression.

Behaviour

Yellowhead Jawfish are known for their fascinating behaviour around their burrows. They spend a significant amount of time near the entrance of their burrow, observing their surroundings and keeping a watchful eye for potential threats. They will retreat into their burrow when feeling threatened or alarmed. Providing suitable hiding spots in the aquarium, such as coconut shells or blenny homes, can help the Yellowhead Jawfish feel more at home and encourage natural behaviours.

Lighting Preference

Yellowhead Jawfish prefer moderate to high lighting conditions in the aquarium, similar to the lighting found in their natural reef habitats.

Suitable Tank Mates

Yellowhead Jawfish are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive species that are compatible with their requirements. Good tank mates include small peaceful fish and invertebrates such as gobies, small wrasses, and small reef-safe shrimp and crabs.

Reproduction in the Wild

Yellowhead Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons) reproduce through a process called oviparous reproduction, where fertilization occurs externally. They engage in courtship behaviours and create nests within their burrows for spawning.

Breeding Opistognathus aurifrons

  1. Set Up:

To breed Yellowhead Jawfish, provide a well-maintained marine aquarium with suitable substrate for burrowing, stable water parameters, and ample hiding spots. The tank should be equipped with appropriate filtration and good water flow.

  1. Courtship/Spawning:

During courtship, the male Yellowhead Jawfish will display courtship behaviours such as head nodding, jaw gaping, and body shaking to attract the female. Once courtship is successful, the female deposits her eggs on the substrate near the burrow entrance. The male swiftly fertilizes the eggs and collects them in his mouth using his pelvic fins.

  1. Rearing:

The male incubates the eggs in his mouth for an average period of 8-10 days, during which he does not feed. He guards the eggs, periodically rotating them and ensuring their well-being. After the incubation period, the eggs hatch into larvae within the male’s mouth. The larvae are then released into the water column, where they undergo further development.

Sexual Dimorphism

Yellowhead Jawfish do not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making it challenging to visually differentiate between males and females. However, during the breeding season, the male’s mouth is noticeably distended due to the presence of eggs.

Distribution

The Yellowhead Jawfish, Opistognathus aurifrons, is naturally found in the western Atlantic Ocean, specifically in the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It is not commonly available as a captive-bred or line-bred strain, and most specimens found in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Summary

The Yellowhead Jawfish, Opistognathus aurifrons, is a captivating species known for its striking appearance and yellow-coloured head. It reproduces through oviparous reproduction, with the male incubating and protecting the eggs in his mouth. Breeding Yellowhead Jawfish requires a well-maintained marine aquarium with suitable substrate, stable water parameters, and hiding spots. They exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, and the species is naturally distributed in the western Atlantic Ocean. Although they require moderate care and attention, Yellowhead Jawfish can be a rewarding addition to a suitable marine aquarium, showcasing their unique burrowing behaviour and fascinating reproductive strategies.

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Dry Goods Delivery.

The store has provided information regarding their order dispatch and estimated delivery times. Here are the key details:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 1st Class Mail: For orders sent via 1st Class mail, the aim is to have them delivered on the next working day after dispatch.
  4. 2nd Class Mail: Orders sent via 2nd Class mail typically take approximately 2-3 working days for delivery after dispatch.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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:

  1. Islands: Livestock cannot be delivered to the Shetlands, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Return for Testing: If the goods are being returned for testing, the customer is responsible for covering the return shipping expenses.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Replacement Parts: If possible, the store will dispatch replacement parts for the faulty goods.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.