Black Cap Jawfish (Opistognathus randalli)
Fish in the family Opistognathidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
Opistognathus randalli has a cream to light tan body with a distinctive dark brown or black cap on the head extending to the upper jaw area. The body is elongated and slightly compressed, with the characteristic jawfish morphology and larger-than-normal eyes typical of the genus.
Diet and feeding
Feed a varied diet of small meaty foods including frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, and small crustaceans. Offer food 2–3 times daily in small portions, as this species naturally feeds on small zooplankton and benthic invertebrates in the wild.
Difficulty and care for the Black Cap Jawfish
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.
Common health issues
Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Columnaris Disease, Velvet Disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific, primarily from the Philippines and Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef and Micronesia.
Log Black Cap Jawfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Black Cap Jawfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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