Blue Jaw Tilefish

Also known as Blue Throat Tilefish, Bluehead Tilefish

The Blue Jaw Tilefish is a peaceful, strikingly beautiful fish featuring a brilliant blue head and jaw that transitions into a pearlescent white-silver body with subtle yellow accents. This elegant species is known for its calm demeanor, unique burrowing behavior, and graceful swimming style. Unlike many marine fish, it is a dedicated burrower that creates elaborate tunnel systems beneath rockwork, making it a fascinating addition to the right aquarium setup.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Hoplolatilus starcki
• Common Names: Blue Jaw Tilefish, Blue Throat Tilefish, Bluehead Tilefish
• Adult Size: Up to 5-6 inches
• Lifespan: 5-10+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; can be kept with other peaceful species
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe; will not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons minimum (larger preferred for burrowing space)
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced; requires specific setup and careful acclimation

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment: Requires a deep sand bed (4-6 inches minimum) for burrowing and tunnel construction. Provide stable rockwork with caves and overhangs positioned on the bottom of the tank (not on sand) to prevent collapse. Moderate water flow is preferred. This species is an active burrower and will extensively modify the sand bed to create tunnel systems.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Requires pristine water quality and stable conditions

Equipment Recommendations:

• High-quality filtration system
• Protein skimmer
• Moderate water circulation
• Secure tight-fitting lid with NO gaps (jumps very easily and frequently)
• Stable rockwork positioned directly on tank bottom

These maintain optimal conditions for this delicate, burrowing species.

Diet & Feeding

Blue Jaw Tilefish are carnivores that feed primarily on zooplankton in the wild.

Recommended foods include:

• Staples: High-quality marine pellets, carnivore pellets (small size)
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, cyclops, finely chopped seafood
• Live Foods: Live brine shrimp, live copepods (helpful during acclimation)
• Variety: Provide varied diet to ensure complete nutrition

Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily; benefits from multiple small feedings

Special Note: Can be shy and may not compete well for food with aggressive eaters. May require target feeding initially. Once established, typically accepts prepared foods readily. Prefers foods that drift in the water column.

Social Structure & Compatibility

• Tankmates: Best with other peaceful fish; avoid aggressive or overly competitive species
• Conspecifics: Can be kept in pairs or small groups if introduced simultaneously in larger tanks (125+ gallons)
• Reef Caution: Completely reef safe; will not harm corals, though burrowing may shift sand and occasionally undermine rockwork
• Aggression Level: Very peaceful; may be bullied by aggressive tankmates

Notes & Considerations

• Jumping is the #1 cause of loss with this species; lid must be completely secure with no gaps.
• Dedicated burrower; will create extensive tunnel systems under rockwork.
• Ensure rockwork is stable and placed directly on tank bottom to prevent collapse from burrowing.
• Shy when first introduced; may take several days to weeks to settle in.
• Once acclimated, becomes more confident and spends time in open water.
• Retreats to burrow when startled or at night.
• Absolutely stunning coloration that intensifies with proper care.
• Males may develop more vibrant blue coloration and longer fins.
• Peaceful temperament makes it excellent for reef community tanks.
• Can be kept with cleaner shrimp and other invertebrates without concern.
• May initially hide extensively after introduction; patience is essential.
• Benefits from dim lighting or gradual light acclimation.
• Sensitive to poor water quality and sudden parameter changes.
• Can be startled by sudden movements or tapping on glass.
• Tends to hover in a mid-water column once comfortable.
• May spit sand during burrow construction and maintenance.
• Beautiful, graceful swimmer with flowing finnage.
• Best added to established, peaceful aquariums.

Why Choose a Quarantined Blue Jaw Tilefish?

Purchasing a quarantined specimen from us means you’re starting with a healthier, stress-free fish. All fish are observed, treated as needed, and conditioned to accept a variety of prepared foods before sale, giving you a stronger chance of long-term success with this stunning and delicate species. Our quarantine process helps ensure your Blue Jaw Tilefish is eating well and acclimated to aquarium life before joining your tank.