Jawfish didn’t make it – suggestions ?

[mike ling]

I got a Jawfish 2 days ago and I found it dead this morning. It did not die from carpet surfing as I’ve got the surface pretty well covered. It was a small Yellowhead, about 1 ½ inches. My tank is only 2 month old and I’ve have had Ammonia and Nitrite at zero for over a month now. I also have ,cleaning crew, 2 shrimps and corals do nicely for about a month now. I therefore think my tank is cycled, though I am aware that some schools of thought suggest waiting for 6 months. This is my first fish since I read that Jawfishes are less stressed when they are the first fish in the tank.

I have the same substrate as the National Aquarium’s Jawfish exhibit so I don’t think that is a problem. I also have the live rock sitting on PVC cones so as to avoid a cave in, I did acclimatize it for a little over an hour when it was introduced 2 days ago. It seem to have been doing well, though it had not built a barrow yet. But I was told it may take a few days for it to do that. I do have lots of coral pieces for it to use to build a barrow. I also know that I am not home free until I see a barrow.

I would like to get another one for one more try. I would also like to get advise from other Jawfish owners before getting it. My 5 year old has been looking forward to this Jawfish for months and I would rather not have her experience another death. Thanks in advance.

[tendar]

Sounds like you have a good setup for it. Some times fish just dont make it.
Where did you get it from? So LFS will give you a credit back it you take it back with a water sample of your tank since it died so fast.
When ever looking for a new fish check to see how long the store has had it and have them feed it at the store so you can see it is eating before taking it home. Fish should also look clear eyed and active with no blemishes and good fins and eating. If not ask the store to hold it for you for a week or so till looks good to take home.