Black Cap Jawfish
Opistognathus randalli
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Sand Sifting |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 5 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Black Cap Jawfish (Opistognathus randalli) is a burrow-building fish that moves sand and small rubble to shape a home in open substrate areas. It has a green body with faint orange striping, plus a dark “cap” on the head that stands out when it hovers at the burrow entrance.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering upright above its burrow like a lookout, then reversing back into the tunnel in one smooth motion
- Carrying mouthfuls of sand or shell pieces and placing them to build a low “wall” at the entrance
- Most of its daily routine centered around one chosen spot on the sandbed
- More construction activity after lights-out, with fresh sand piles appearing by morning
- Picking up small loose items (like empty shells or unglued frag plugs) as building material
Provide a mixed-grain sand bed with small rubble/shell pieces so it can build a stable burrow, and place rockwork securely on the tank bottom before adding sand. Use a tight-fitting lid, and keep an open viewing lane in front of the burrow. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis and finely chopped seafood) in multiple small feedings each day to build a consistent routine.
Why does it carry sand in its mouth and “spit” it around?
That’s normal burrow construction—jawfish move sand to deepen tunnels and stack material into a sturdier entrance.
Is it normal to change burrow locations after introduction?
Yes—many will test a few spots early on, then settle into one main burrow once it has a layout it likes.
Can it pick up frag plugs or loose aquascape items?
It can; they often grab small, light objects to use as doorway material, so securing loose frags helps keep your layout consistent.
Why does it sometimes block or “seal” the burrow entrance?
Many jawfish close up their entrance during rest periods, then reopen it when they’re ready to resume normal activity.
How do I get it to take frozen foods reliably?
A steady feeding schedule and gently placing food near the burrow entrance helps it learn where meals arrive and come out quickly.
Shipped with pure oxygen and temperature control so it arrives stress-free and ready to eat.
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