Salt water Aquarium - Gobies-Part 2

Gobies Species list ..

Gobies are relatively small fish, usually reaching three inches in captivity. Goby fish species adjust well to aquarium life. A well-sealed lid is a requirement for keeping gobies, as they will jump out of an open aquarium. Plenty of rockwork and the proper substrate of coral sand should be provided to enable burrowing or sand sifting Gobies the proper environment.

2-Diamond Watchman Goby

Valenciennea puellaris

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Orange, White

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu

Family: Gobiidae

The Palau Captive-Bred Court Jester Goby, also referred to as the Rainford's Goby, or Old Glory, was first discovered in the Western Pacific in 1940 by Whitely and gets its name from its brightly colored body. The body is green and blue with horizontal orange stripes running the entire length of the body. The Captive-Bred Court Jester Goby is very timid and peaceful and is a great addition to the reef or fish only aquarium.

The Captive-Bred Court Jester Goby has a unique advantage over wild-harvested species. They are hardier and more accustomed to conditions found in home aquariums. Therefore, it makes a great choice for novices and seasoned aquarists alike.

It should be kept in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium that is well-established and has live rock and sand on which the fish can graze. It is best to keep only one of this species in an aquarium, unless the tank is large with an abundance of hiding places. It is rarely aggressive towards other species.

The diet should consist of filamentous algae, small crustaceans, such as live and frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4"; Medium: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4";

1-Court Jester Goby

Koumansetta rainfordi ( Captive - Breed available )

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12,

pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 3"

Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Captive-Bred, Palau

Family: Gobiidae

The Diamond Watchman Goby is also commonly referred to as the Pretty Prawn, Maiden, Orange Spotted Diamond, Orange-dashed, or Orangespotted Sleeper Goby. It was first discovered in the Indo-Pacific Ocean in 1956 by Tomiyama. The head and body are white with orange spots. It is a very timid fish that makes a great addition to the reef tank because of its longevity.

It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as the substrate, and an attached populated refugium. The Diamond Watchman Goby uses shallow burrows in the substrate as refuge, keeping the substrate well oxygenated. It rarely becomes aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.

The Diamond Watchman Goby feeds off the bottom as it sifts through the sand. Its diet should include a variety of live and frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live black worms, and prepared foods for carnivores. It should be fed frequently.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"; XLarge: 4" to 5"

3- Hi Fin Red Banded Goby

Stonogobiops nematodes

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 2"

Color Form: Black, Red, White

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Family: Gobiidae

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby is also referred to as the Striped Goby, or the Blackray Shrimp Goby. The body has a silver-white coloration with a yellow face and very distinct dark diagonal stripes across the body. They are a wonderful fish for a passive fish only or reef aquarium, and may form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp.

The ideal environment is an aquarium of at least 10 gallons with plenty of live rock and a sand bed. It is not aggressive towards other shrimp gobies and may even share a burrow with another species. Being territorial, it may occasionally quarrel with conspecifics if kept together, or if the tank is too small.

It is possible for the Hi Fin Red Banded Goby to spawn successfully in an aquarium.

The diet should consist of mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and chopped table shrimp. It needs to be fed at least two times per day. When first added to the aquarium it may not eat for several days, but will usually acclimate and begin eating.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 3/4" to 1 1/4" Medium 1 1/4" to 2"

4- Yellow Prawn Goby

Cryptocentrus cinctus

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 3"

Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Eastern Asia, Maldives, South Asia, Sri Lanka

Family: Gobiidae

The Yellow Prawn Goby is also known as the Yellow Watchman Prawn, or Yellow Shrimp Goby, was first discovered in 1936 by Herre. The head and body are yellow-orange with bright blue spots on the head and fins. The Yellow Prawn Goby wears an amusing perpetual frown, and likes to peek out from behind rocks. They have been known to form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp.

It requires a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble, ample swimming room, and a sand bottom for burrowing. It rarely becomes aggressive towards other fish, but it is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair. It may try to jump out of the aquarium or other small openings, therefore, a tight-fitting lid is required to prevent escape.

The Yellow Prawn Goby diet should include a variety of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen preparations for carnivores. It should be fed at least twice per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 3"

5- Clown Goby, Yellow

Gobiodon okinawae

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1½"

Color Form: Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indian Ocean

Family: Gobiidae

The Yellow Clown Goby is a cheerful addition to any marine aquarium. In addition to its vibrant body color, the active and peaceful Yellow Clown Goby is often seen perched on live rock or coral right out in the open or hovering in the water column in plain view for hobbyists to enjoy. Though the adult size is a mere 1-1/2" in length, the stocky shape and very large head gives the Yellow Clown Goby a quiet, yet commanding presence in the home aquarium.

Native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, Gobiodon okinawaeusually congregates among soft and hard coral colonies. Since the Yellow Clown Goby is peaceful, it makes a wonderful addition to any reef aquarium containing colonies of polyp corals. Here, this member of the Gobiidae family will swim and perch amongst the polyps. Care needs to be taken, however, with SPS corals since the Yellow Clown Goby may nip at the smaller polyps.

For the best care, house single specimens in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium, preferably with branching coral to best recreate the natural habitat of the Yellow Clown Goby. It will rarely demonstrate aggression towards other fish, but will fight with its own kind especially in smaller aquarium systems. Therefore, it is best to keep the Yellow Clown Goby with other docile species.

It is common for the Yellow Clown Goby to spawn in an aquarium. Caution should be exercised if the aquarium contains Acropora sp. or similar SPS corals. The female Yellow Clown Goby will lay her eggs on the underside of the coral's branch, which will cause tissue recession in that area of the coral. However, under good conditions, the coral will regenerate the lost tissue.

The Yellow Clown Goby's diet should consist of a variety of brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1/2" to 1" Medium 1" to 1 1/2"

The Green Clown Goby, also known as the Earspot Coral Goby, is common within the reefs of the Indo Pacific, found usually among soft and hard coral colonies. They are a small stocky shaped fish with a very large head for their size. There are many different color variations, and this species is a yellow to greenish-tan color with orange vertical stripes on its head. They are a peaceful fish that makes a wonderful addition to a reef aquarium containing colonies of polyp corals, as they enjoy swimming and hiding amongst the polyps. However, they may nip at the polyps of SPS corals.

It requires a 10 gallon or larger aquarium preferably with branching coral. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but will fight with its own kind in smaller tanks. Therefore, it is best if it is kept with other docile species.

It is common for clown gobies to spawn in an aquarium. Caution should be exercised if the aquarium contains Acropora sp. or similar SPS corals. They will lay their eggs on the underside of the coral's branch, which will cause tissue recession in that area of the coral. However, under good conditions, the coral will regenerate the lost tissue.

The Green Clown Goby's diet should consist of a variety of brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 1-3/4"

6-Clown Goby, Green

Gobiodon atrangulatus

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12,

pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1¾"

Color Form: Green, Orange, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia

Family: Gobiidae

The Two Spot Goby is also referred to as the Twinspot Goby, Signal Goby, or Crabeye Goby. The head and body are white splattered with orange markings. Its erect dorsal fins are distinctly marked by eyespots.

It should reside in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as a substrate, and an attached populated refugium. It will rarely act aggressively towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.

Under correct conditions, the Two Spot Goby will spawn successfully in an aquarium.

Usually the Two Spot Goby feeds off the bottom sifting through the sand for food. It should be fed a variety of either live or vitamin-enriched frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live black worms, and prepared foods for carnivores.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1-1/4" Medium: 1-1/4" to 2" Large: 2" to 3"

7-Two Spot Goby

Signigobius biocellatus

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Difficult

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 3"

Color Form: Orange, Tan, White

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu

Family: Gobiidae

8-Pink Spotted Watchman Goby

Cryptocentrus leptocephalus

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 4"

Color Form: Blue, Red, Tan, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Cebu, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka

Family: Gobiidae

The Spotted Watchman Goby is also known as the Pink and Blue Spotted, Singapore Shrimp, Leptocephalus Prawn, or Pinkspotted Shrimp Goby. The head and body are yellow to tan with pink spots surrounded by smaller blue spots.

The Spotted Watchman Goby diet should include a variety of mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. It should be fed at least twice per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"

The Citrinis Clown Goby, also known as the Citron or Citrin Goby, is common within the reefs of Sri Lanka and the Coral Sea. They are usually found among soft and hard coral colonies. They are a small yellow fish with blue vertical lines around the eyes and gills, and a blue horizontal line along the dorsal fin. Their body color can vary between dark brown and pale yellow. They are a peaceful fish that makes a wonderful addition to a reef aquarium containing colonies of polyp coral and other soft corals, as they enjoy swimming and hiding amongst the polyps.

The Citrinis Clown Goby feeds on the mucous polyps of Acropora sp. in the wild and is considered reef safe but will nip at the polyps or bases of Acropora sp. and possibly other SPS corals. If the SPS dominated aquarium is not heavily stocked with very mature colonies these fish may severely damage Acropora sp. in these displays.

It requires a 10 gallon or larger aquarium and prefers branched corals, often resting on them for hours at a time. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but will fight with its own kind in smaller tanks. It is best if it is kept with other docile species.

The Citrinis Clown Goby's diet should consist of a variety of brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 2"

9- Clown Goby, Citrinis

Gobiodon citrinus

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12,

pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 2"

Color Form: Blue, Tan, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives

Family: Gobiidae

10-Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby

Stonogobiops yasha

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 2½"

Color Form: Black, Red, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indonesia

Family: Gobiidae

The Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby, also known as the Yasha Haze Goby or Clown Shrimp Goby is a very unique goby that is not often available in the hobby. A vivid red and white broken striped body with a large dorsal fin and black patch under the jaw sets this fish apart from other gobies. Bright yellow opaque dorsal, anal, and caudal fins make this fish very appealing to most hobbyists. It has the ability to form symbiotic partnerships with most species of pistol shrimp. It provides a watchful eye while the shrimp digs a burrow for them to share.

It is best suited for aquariums that are 10 gallons or larger which have adequate hiding places. The aquarium should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent this goby from jumping out. Very passive, this species works well in small groups or as an individual specimen. The Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby is very hardy and adapts well to reef aquariums, as long as they are maintained with passive tankmates. Ideally this goby should be the first bottom dwelling goby added to the established aquarium, so the fish may stake out its territory before other more pugnacious gobies are added. It prefers a bed of fine sand and loose coral rubble to move around and dig its burrow.

Feed the Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby a diet consisting of a variety of fresh or frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and table shrimp and it should be fed at least twice per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2-1/2"

The Orange Spotted Goby, also known as the Spotted Prawn Goby or Orange Spotted Shrimp Goby, was first discovered in the Western Pacific in 1938. Its body is white with orange spots outlined in brown. It has the ability to form symbiotic partnerships with nearly blind alpheid shrimp. It provides a watchful eye while the shrimp digs a burrow for them to share.

It is best suited for aquariums that are 10 gallons or larger which have adequate hiding places along with ample swimming space. The aquarium should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out. The Orange Spotted Goby adapts well to reef aquariums, although it does pose a possible threat to small, delicate ornamental shrimp. It prefers a bed of fine sand and loose coral rubble to sift through.

It is possible for the Orange Spotted Goby to spawn successfully in an aquarium.

Its diet should consist of a variety of fresh or frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and table shrimp. It should be fed at least twice per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"

11- Orange Spotted Goby

Amblyeleotris guttata

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 3½"

Color Form: Orange, Tan, White

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Family: Gobiidae

The Neon Blue Goby, or Neon Goby, is known for its gorgeous electric blue stripes. The head and sleek body of the Neon Blue Goby are dark blue with a striking horizontal, light-blue stripe on each side of the body. These signature stripes begin above the eyes and run the entire length of the body. The Neon Blue Goby is a very hardy fish and because of its small size, it makes a great addition to smaller nano reef aquariums.

The Neon Blue Goby should be housed in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium. Rarely will it become aggressive towards other fish. However, the Neon Blue Goby is territorial and will demonstrate aggression towards its own kind unless they are a mated pair. It is common for the Neon Blue Goby to spawn in an aquarium, laying its eggs in a crevice or empty shell.

In the wild, parasites picked off larger reef fish make up a portion of the Neon Blue Goby's natural diet. However, in the home aquarium, the Neon Blue Goby needs to be fed a variety of live and frozen brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. If kept in a reef aquarium, the Neon Blue Goby should be fed once per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1" Medium: 1" to 1-3/4"

12-Neon Blue Goby

Elactinus oceanops

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12,

pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 2"

Color Form: Black, Blue

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Captive-Bred - USA

Family: Gobiidae

13-Engineer Goby

Pholidichthys leucotaenia

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1'

Color Form: Black, Blue, White

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Family: Pholidichthyidae

The Engineer goby is also commonly referred to as the Convict Goby. It is in a separate family from the gobies and blennies. Its markings change throughout its life. Consistently, the colors involved are dark blue to black on white. As a juvenile, the markings are horizontal, running the length of the body. With age, they become vertical bands.

It should be kept in a 55 gallon or larger aquarium with a sand covered bottom where it may make burrows. It needs peaceful tank mates and plenty of hiding places. Small groups or pairs tend to do better in an aquarium, but need to be introduced simultaneously to the tank.

The Engineer Goby has been known to spawn successfully in an aquarium setting.

Its diet should consist of a variety of fresh or frozen seafood, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. It should be fed at least twice per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1-1/4" to 2" Medium 2" to 3 1/4" Large 3 1/4" to 4 1/2"

14-Clown Goby, Black

Gobiodon strangulatus

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 1½"

Color Form: Black

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu

Family: Gobiidae

The Black Clown Goby is common within the reefs of the Indo Pacific, found usually among soft and hard coral colonies. They are a small stocky shaped fish with a very large head for their size. There are many different color variations, and this species is black in color. They are a peaceful fish that makes a wonderful addition to a reef aquarium containing colonies of polyp corals, as they enjoy swimming and hiding amongst the polyps. However, they may nip at the polyps of SPS corals.

The Black Clown Goby requires a 10-gallon or larger aquarium. They will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but will fight among their own kind in smaller aquariums. If the aquarium is large enough, a group may be simultaneously introduced. If branching coral is present, the group will form mated pairs. It is best if Clown Gobies are kept with other docile species.

It is common for clown gobies to spawn in an aquarium. Caution should be exercised if the aquarium containsAcropora sp. or similar SPS corals. They will lay their eggs on the underside of the coral's branch, which will cause tissue recession in that area of the coral. However, under good conditions, the coral will regenerate the lost tissue.

The Black Clown Goby's diet should consist of a variety of brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 3/4" to 1"; Medium: 1" to 2"

15 -Wheeler's Shrimp Goby

Amblyeleotris wheeleri

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 3"

Color Form: Blue, Orange, Red, White

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Indo-Pacific

Family: Gobiidae

The Wheeler's Shrimp Goby, also known as Wheeler's Prawn, Gorgeous, or Wheeler's Goby, was first discovered in Indonesia in 1982 by Hoese and Randall. It has a white body with broad orange-red bands and tiny blue spots. The dorsal fin has red and blue dots.

It should be kept in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium with a sand covered bottom to make burrows in. It prefers to have peaceful tank mates and plenty of hiding places. Small groups or pairs tend to do better in an aquarium, but need to be introduced to the tank simultaneously.

Fairly hardy, and highly disease resistant, the Wheeler's Watchman Goby has been known to spawn successfully in an aquarium.

The diet should consist of a variety of fresh or frozen seafood, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. It needs to be fed twice per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3"

16 -Sleeper Banded Goby

Amblygobius phalaena

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 6"

Color Form: Blue, Green, Orange, Tan, Yellow

Diet: Omnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Sumatra

Family: Gobiidae

The Sleeper Banded Goby, also known as the Brownbarred Goby and Bullet Goby, was first discovered in the Indo-Pacific Ocean by Valenciennes in 1837. It has a greenish-yellow head with blue and orange dots and dashes. The remainder of the body is yellow with brown bands.

It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with a substrate of loose coral rubble, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out of the tank. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.

It feeds on a variety of tiny crustaceans in the substrate as well as filamentous algae. In the home aquarium offer a varied diet consisting of vitamin-enriched brine shrimp (live or frozen), mysis shrimp, prepared foods for herbivores, as well as nori strips of the aquarium lacks macro algae growth. It should be fed three times per day, depending on the amount of natural live food found within the aquarium.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3"

17 -Sleeper Gold Head Goby

Valenciennea strigata

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025

Max. Size: 5½"

Color Form: Blue, Tan, White, Yellow

Diet: Carnivore

Compatibility: View Chart

Origin: Africa, Fiji, Indonesia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka

Family: Gobiidae

The Sleeper Gold Head Goby, is known by many names including the Pennant Glider, Yellowheaded or Golden Head Sleeper, or Blueband, Bluestreak, or Yellowheaded Sleeper Goby. Its head is yellow-gold with a sapphire-blue stripe below the eyes, and the rest of the body is off-white.

To be successfully cared for, it should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as the substrate, and an attached populated refugium. A well-sealed canopy should be provided. It rarely will become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.

It feeds off the bottom as it sifts through the sand eating mouthfuls of substrate and the food that lives within the sand, keeping the substrate well oxygenated. The Sleeper Gold Head Goby feeds on a variety of live and frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live black worms, and prepared foods for carnivores, and should be fed frequently.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large 3" to 5"

Hector's Goby, also known as Hector's Hover Goby, has a bluish-black body with bright yellow horizontal stripes and an eyespot on the dorsal fin.

A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of hiding places is suitable for this fish. It can be included in a reef aquarium and the fish will sift the sand as well as graze on hair algae. It is non-aggressive towards other fish and will not bother invertebrates in the tank.

Hector's Goby is easy to feed and its diet consists of most marine foods. It consumes large amounts of algae, worms, and prepared foods such as vitamin enriched mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1 1/4" to 2 1/4"