Jawfish, how to find/make a mated pair?

[ThrillYa]

The LFS told me they "thought" jawfish where like clowns in that they change sex to make a pair. Is that true?

If so, what is the success rate of getting two random jawfish to become a mated pair assuming a proper environment including a deep sand bed?

Thanks in advance for your words of wisdom.

Mike

 

[Anonymous]

Tough question, what species of Opistoganthus are you asking about? Some species are known to school in harems while others only solitary male/ female pair and are completely monogamous.
Without checking my references I'm pretty sure all species are sexually dimorphic (seperate sexes and none are Protandry (male changes to female) or Protogyny (female changes to male) hermaphrodites.
Normally the males have a larger head since they are mouth brooders and there are differences in the number of teeth between male and females.
If you can tell what species in particular you are interested in I can do some digging for you.

Regards,
David Mohr

 

[ThrillYa]

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you David.

I'm most likely interested in Pearly Jawfish (Opistognathus aurifrons). I would love to have a couple Blue-Spotted (Opistognathus rosenblatti ) but don't think I have the bank for that.

Thanks again for your insight.
Mike

 

[ThrillYa]

On another note David... is your avatar a picture of yourself or just a picture? hehe