Other Fish

Jawfish are some of the most personable fish available. Their huge eyes miss nothing in the aquarium, and peer through the glass at their keeper. They may then cock their head to the side like a puppy as they interact with their owner. Aggressive tank mates and fish with large mouths should be strictly avoided, as should any animal that may disturb the tranquility of the sand bed: sleeper gobies, pistol shrimp, burrowing wrasses, goatfish, etc may stress the timid jawfish out of its burrow. Unless the aquarium is large jawfish may also stress each other. They use open mouth threats, and when that does not work they grab mouthfuls of sand and dump it in the other fish's burrow. Suitable tank mates include non sand-dwelling gobies, peaceful blennies, cardinal fish, clownfish, flasher wrasses, chromis, dragonets, assessors, etc. They may consume tiny fish such as Trimma or Evotia gobies, and shrimp such as sexy shrimp. Because of its extremely shy demeanor, we recommend the jawfish be the first fish added to the aquarium.Jawfish are sand dwelling animals and use their large mouths to scoop out a burrow to live in. At nighttime or when a tunnel is not being used the fish may block it off with shells and small rocks. It is important to provide deep sand of at least four inches, preferably deeper, with plenty of shells and crushed coral of various sizes so the fish has enough building material to create a stable dwelling. The shed leaves of Halimeda algae are also utilized as building material. Rocks should be placed on the aquarium glass and sand poured around them to eliminate the danger of a cave-in when the fish excavates. Plenty of open swimming space may encourage the jawfish to hover higher above its burrow. We recommend the tank be securely covered as jawfish are prone to jumping from open top aquaria.Jawfish are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed two to three times a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.The Yellow Head jawfish is a spectacular fish with a ghostly blue body that shimmers in the light. Its head is an intense lemon yellow hue. It is commonly available from the Caribbean. Males and females are identical. It grows to 4 inches and should be kept in an established aquarium of at least 30 gallons.

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The Angler, or Frogfish, is a fascinating ambush predator which makes an incredible pet and conversation piece. Their stout bodies come in a wide range of colors and textures. They may be rather smooth or bumpy textured. Ultra colors may be stark white with bright red or orange markings, intense yellow, or other impressive coloration. Most Anglers grow to only 4 inches with some larger species rarely exceeding 8 inches. Because of their low activity level any of them may be kept in aquariums of 20-30 gallons in size.Anglers spend most of their time perched atop the rockwork surveying their surroundings and watching for a potential meal to pass by. Anything that swims or crawls may be considered edible- shrimp, crabs, and other fish, even those larger than itself may be eaten. For this reason the Angler should only be kept with snails and sessile invertebrates such as corals, sponges, tunicates and macroalgae.If hungry an anglerfish will extend its fishing lure from the top of its head and dangle it in front of its mouth. When prey comes close to investigate it is instantly sucked into the vacuum of the Angler's mouth. Many specimens become so tame that they extend their lure when they catch sight of their owner. They rarely swim, usually preferring to literally walk using their fins as feet, or sometimes gulping water and jetting it out the gills to propel themselves. We don't recommend lifting the Angler out of the water as it may occasionally gulp air and have trouble expelling it.They are carnivores and should be fed at least once every two or three days a high quality diet of krill, silversides and chopped seafood. They are heavy feeders and thus strong filtration is necessary. Live food may initially be necessary, and the fish trained to eat off a feeding stick.

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