how to make a jawfish happy

[bakerywench]

Im setting up my first saltwater tank. The yellow headed jawfish is the number one fish on my want list. I just wanted to know how everybody else keeps theirs happy. Im especially interested in how deep to have my sandbed and what mix of substrates should I use?

Thanks
Heidi

 

[918ReefCpl]

Nothing too Chunky (sand grain size) as thats what our LFS stated to us...#1 or #2 sand is good...anything larger and the jawfish has a "chance" of getting a grain lodged inside its mouth and "possibly" causing an infection...we're using about 3" of mixed #1 & #2 sand particles.

 

[scott11]

I have used all types of sandbeds, but like the seafloor size. I mixed the seafloor and sugar size sand in my current tank with a jawfish. 3 inches has worked for me, but the more the better. My current tank ranges from 3-5 across the tank. I would put the rock in first then the sand, so the fish can not dig under and collapse the rock.

 

[kawicivic]

I would disagree with the smaller sand. Jawfish actually like larger stuff. My jawfish used to move 1/2"+ rocks. They use it to make their homes. Small sand does not allow them to build as well. A mix of sand is good. I used the sand between the size of crushed coral and the fine sand. Its chunky but not quite as chunky as crushed coral (might be the sea floor size taht scott11 is talking about). As for other environment. Make sure to have plenty of live rock to break up into tiny chunks as they like to have a constant supply of building materials. A covered tank is a necessity as they can jump through egg crate and will if they get stressed. Finally, stay away from extremely active fish.... my tang was the end of my jawfish.

O and rock and then sand is a good idea too!