Bluespot Jaw carpet surfing

SeaJay · Feb 7, 2020

Finally got my LFS to order me a bluespot for a "good deal". He's been in QT for about 6 weeks and is only about a week of observation away from joining his tankmates in the display. My QT is a 36 gal bowfront that I keep in my bedroom. I learned the hard way about jumpers when a Diamond goby found his way out through the gap between a HOB and the lid. I took care of that problem with some plastic and gorilla tape, or so I thought. Last night around 1:00am I heard a rather violent splash and thump, loud enough to wake me up. So I ran over and found him on the carpet. I got him up and back in the tank. Saw him hiding under a rock this morning, so I think hes ok. I have that gap as tight is it can be without the water flowing onto the lid and down to the floor. He had to have jumped perfectly into the stream of water to squeeze through. I know I've read about this several times, but dang, those things can really force their way through some tiny, tiny spaces.

It seems they only do it in pitch black darkness. I may try leaving the lights on the moonlight setting to see if that deters him until I can get him moved to the display where I know he can't get out.

siggy · Feb 7, 2020

I HAD a blu spot for a minute. I put him in the tank and never seen him again. I'm guessing the dog had sushi that evening.

Pbh-reef · Feb 7, 2020

Lucky you woke up! Consider lowering the water level in the tank, it may discourage him from jumping as high out? Or get one of those temporary fish keepers. It would suck to lose him now

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/imagitarium-pet-keeper-for-aquarium-fish-large-2441272?cm_mmc=PPC-GG-_-PTC_P_SUP_LIA-GG_FY19_SBU05_Companion_Animal_BOPIS-_-76332473423-_-A&kpid=go_6471950367_76332473423_380230977733_pla-324731645754_m&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PTC_P_SUP_LIA-GG_FY19_SBU05_Companion_Animal_BOPIS&utm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzrOcquy_5wIVl-NkCh14ngRlEAQYASABEgISH_D_BwE

Jesterrace · Feb 7, 2020

Unfortunately may folks don't realize that Blue Spotted Jawfish are not well suited to Reef Temps long term. They actually prefer temps in the 74 degree range and if the water is too warm they are more prone to jumping out. Part of the reason I have never owned one, since I would have to basically dedicate a tank to one and they have shorter life spans in regular reef temps.