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Yellowhead Jawfish

Alternative names: Opistognathus aurifrons

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Named for its yellow-colored head, the yellowhead jawfish is native to the coral reefs in the Caribbean. Like other jawfish, it will rise up from its burrow with its mouth open to scare off other fish.

Size-wise, the fish can reach a maximum length of about 10 cm/3.9 in. It has an elongated body with a blunt head, large mouth, and protruding eyes.

An interesting fact about the yellowhead jawfish is that the fish is a mouthbrooder; the male carries the eggs in its mouth until they hatch.

Often seen in Mujeres Island