Black Cap Jawfish (Moustache Jawfish) FOTM April '09

Black Cap Jawfish (Opistognathus lonchurus)
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Basic Info:[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
Size: 4 inches
Level of Care: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Reef Safe: Yes
Invert Safe: Mostly
Fish Safe: Yes[/FONT]
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General[/FONT]
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The Black Cap Jawfish ([/FONT][FONT=&quot]Opistognathus lonchurus[/FONT][FONT=&quot]) is a great addition to either the small tank (30 gal and up) or the much larger community tank. Native to the waters of the Indo-Pacific, this Jawfish grows up to 4 inches in length. It is sometimes called the Moustache Jawfish due to its orange “moustache” over its mouth. The head and body of Opistognathus lonchurus are green with faint orange stripes. It has a black spot on the dorsal fin and a black cap on the head. It has the namesake oversized mouth that is used for burrowing and brooding that Jawfish are known for. They are sometimes mistaken by many at a glance for being a blenny or goby. [/FONT]
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Life in the Tank[/FONT]
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Preferring a deep sand bed with various sized particles to support tunnels, the Black Cap Jawfish will typically set to work on its burrow. It will stuff its mouth with sand and spit it out elsewhere in the tank to make a tunnel. Opistognathus lonchurus is known to be a jumper when startled, therefore a guard such as egg crate is suggested. The Black Cap can be very territorial of the area around its burrow, spitting sand at anything near, but will get along with most fish. Care must be taken, however, with small shrimp as Opistognathus lonchurus has been known to snack on them. Since they are very prolific diggers, one should take care to secure their rockwork and have the rock resting on the tank bottom to avoid rock falls and cave-ins. [/FONT]
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Breeding[/FONT]
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Being of hardy nature, the Black Cap can spawn successfully in the aquarium environment. Utilizing its trademark mouth, the male will incubate the eggs in his mouth. The eggs will also hatch in the mouth, keeping the fry safe from possible predators.[/FONT]
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Diet[/FONT]
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The Black Cap enjoys meaty foods like brine shrimp, crustacean flesh, mysis shrimp and various marine fish. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Some aquarists have had success with occasional herbivore supplementation. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Food should be placed near the burrow as [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Opistognathus lonchurus[/FONT][FONT=&quot] rarely leaves the area of its burrow. Opistognathus lonchurus is recommended to be fed three times a day.[/FONT]
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Introduction into the Aquarium[/FONT]
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Drip Acclimation is the preferred method for introducing the Black Cap into your aquarium. Care must be taken as it is a known jumper when startled. Rockwork should also be secured together and resting on the bottom of the aquarium. Typical water parameters of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit, specific gravity between 1.020 and 1.025 and a PH of 8.1-8.4 are considered ideal.[/FONT]

 

great job

 

Thanks!

 

If anyone else has pics of their own Black Cap, please show them!