How to make a Jawfish outgoing?

[ttam]

I know that sometimes it depends on the fish but I was wondering if their was any tricks or tactics to make a blue spot jawfish more outgoing. I have had one before but lost it to a tiny hole in the top.

I am thinking about getting another one and have seen videos of very brave jawfish and I want mine to be like those.
Current tank info:
45 jbj rimless with glass top but contemplating the idea of a mesh top instead.
mixed reef
2 BTA
2 Onyx clownfish
good amount of lr and sand
Thank you in advance

 

[snorvich]

No top means no jawfish but a mesh top (1/4 inch holes) is preferred. BSJ do best at cooler temperatures.

 

[ttam]

Sorry if it wasn't clear but there is a top. If I decide to go the direction of the jawfish then I will make a mesh top.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Jawfish are more outgoing with small peaceful tankmates. They can be kept with larger active fish, but are far less outgoing with those kind of tankmates.

 

[alton]

It takes time and keeping them with peaceful tank mates or by themselves helps

 

[snorvich]

It takes time and keeping them with peaceful tank mates or by themselves helps

This.

 

[ttam]

Will plan on it thanks for the help so far. Is there any other suggestions?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Will plan on it thanks for the help so far. Is there any other suggestions?

Yes, they need to feel safe. Having peaceful tank mates is a good start. In addition, having a good amount of live rocks and corals around the fish's home will make a jawfish more social.

 

[ThRoewer]

Peaceful, calm and not too large tank mates is definitely a good start. It also helps to keep several of them.
In general they shouldn't be too shy in the right environment.

As for the temperatures - since I'm interested in them too - I did a bit research and it seems they can handle quite extremes.
Since their natural distribution range is the lower third of the Sea of Cortez (Baja California) a good guide may be the average sea temperatures of La Paz (top) and Cabo San Lucas (bottom):

Jan 19 °C / 66 °F
Feb 19 °C / 66 °F
Mar 21 °C / 70 °F
Apr 23 °C / 73 °F
May 25 °C / 77 °F
Jun 27 °C / 81 °F
Jul 28 °C / 82 °F
Aug 30 °C / 85 °F
Sep 28 °C / 82 °F
Oct 27 °C / 81 °F
Nov 24 °C / 75 °F
Dec 21 °C / 70 °F

Jan 20 °C / 68 °F
Feb 19 °C / 66 °F
Mar 19 °C / 66 °F
Apr 19 °C / 66 °F
May 20 °C / 68 °F
Jun 21 °C / 70 °F
Jul 24 °C / 75 °F
Aug 26 °C / 79 °F
Sep 26 °C / 79 °F
Oct 26 °C / 79 °F
Nov 24 °C / 75 °F
Dec 22 °C / 72 °F

Source: Wikipedia

At least in the winter they may like it a bit cooler than your typical reef fish but it seems in the summer they can handle it quite hot.

With these guys I would probably prefer using a seasonal control (like you can do with the APEX) versus a stable temperature year round.

 

[eatbreakfast]

I would beware of having small pieces of coral, as anything they can move will be used in building a burrow. Rubble is always welcome.

I would also not keep them in a group, as blue spot jaws are not as social with conspecifics as pearly heads.