Pearly Jawfish; Tank size and shrimp safe?

[Northwest_Scapes_]

Hi! So I'm looking to get a UNS 60U (20 Gallons) as a big upgrade from my 5g Macro Algae Tank and am thinking about adding a Pearly Jawfish as kind of an "oddball" addition. From what I've seen, a lot of people say that a 20gal is acceptable since they mostly stay around their burrow unlike other species, would a 20gal be sufficient? Also, I'm moving a Pederson's Cleaner Shrimp over and would this guy be a snack for the jawfish? The Pederson's get between 1"-1 1/2" max and im worried that's snack size for a Pearly. Can anyone who owned / does own one chime in? Thanks

 

[Wen]

A 20gal would be fine for a pearly.
Just keep in mind a tight fitting lid, very peaceful tank mates, at least 3”+ sand, add very small shells/rubble for it to outline its burrow and feed a varied diet. I doubt it will bother a small shrimp.
Very cool and beautiful. When healthy they have iridescent aqua blue sheen, and so cute how they close the opening to their burrows at night.

 

[dennis romano]

One of my favorite fish. They are a pain with corals, though. My last one killed a few corals by dumping sand and gravel on them when he dug his home. Jumpers!

 

[Northwest_Scapes_]

A 20gal would be fine for a pearly.
Just keep in mind a tight fitting lid, very peaceful tank mates, at least 3”+ sand, add very small shells/rubble for it to outline its burrow and feed a varied diet. I doubt it will bother a small shrimp.
Very cool and beautiful. When healthy they have iridescent aqua blue sheen, and so cute how they close the opening to their burrows at night.

Thank you! That's kind of the way I was hoping to setup the tank with a background and Macros

 

[Northwest_Scapes_]

One of my favorite fish. They are a pain with corals, though. My last one killed a few corals by dumping sand and gravel on them when he dug his home. Jumpers!

Oof, I'm hoping since I'll have none on the sand they'll be fine. Also yes, I do have a lid already made from mesh, thank you for the info though! I'll definitely have to watch where it places the sand