18 -Tiger Watchman Goby
Valenciennea wardii
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: 5"
Color Form: Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Gobiidae
The Tiger Watchman Goby is also known as the Ward's Sleeper, Ward's Tiger, or Tiger Sleeper Goby. It has a white body with brown bands, and an eyespot on the first dorsal fin.
It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as the substrate, and an attached populated refugium. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but it is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a male-female pair.
Usually the Tiger Watchman Goby will feed off the bottom sifting through the sand. The diet should consist of 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" to 1-1/2" Medium 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" Large 2 1/2" to 3-1/2"
19 -Sleeper Green Banded Goby
Valenciennea randalli
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: 5"
Color Form: Green, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia
Family: Gobiidae
The Sleeper Green Banded Goby is a gem of a goby seldom seen in the aquarium hobby. This charming goby belongs to the popular sand-sifting gobies of the GenusValenciennea. Better known "cousins" include the Diamond Watchman Goby, Sleeper Blue Dot Goby, Sleeper Railway Glider Goby and the Sleeper Gold Head Goby to which the Sleeper Green Banded Goby shares a striking resemblance. Though lacking a showy golden head, this graceful Sleeper Goby is a lovely beauty sure to turn heads. The body color of the Sleeper Green Banded Goby is predominantly soft pewter with a delicate overtone of olive. This neutral coloration provides the perfect canvas for the iridescent turquoise-green facial band that crackles with vibrant energy. Thin paint-brush strokes of complementary orange sandwich this band and gently travels across the entire length of the body. The refined beauty and its infrequent appearance in the aquarium hobby make the Sleeper Green Banded Goby a find for any marine hobbyists looking for an uncommon treasure.
To be successfully cared for, the Sleeper Green Banded Goby should be housed in a well-established 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as the substrate. An attached populated refugium is important to properly care for the Sleeper Green Banded Goby. A well-sealed canopy should also be provided, as these fish like to leap out of the aquarium. The Sleeper Green Banded Goby will rarely become aggressive towards other fish but will demonstrate territorial behavior and fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.
As the Sleeper Green Banded Goby sifts through mouthfuls of substrate, it feeds on food items that live within the sand. This natural feeding behavior has the added benefit of keeping the substrate well oxygenated. The Sleeper Green Banded Goby feeds on a variety of liveand frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live black worms, and prepared foods for carnivores, and should be fed frequently.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 3-1/2"; Large: 3-1/2" to 4-3/4"
20 -Pinkbar Goby
Amblyeleotris aurora
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: 4"
Color Form: White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Indonesia, Maldives
Family: Gobiidae
The Orange Stripe Prawn Goby, also known as Randall's Shrimp Goby, was first discovered in the Western Pacific in 1978 by Hoese and Steene. The body is white with orange stripes, with one orange stripe over the eyes and around its entire head. The male may be identified by the fan-like dorsal fin that bares a dramatic eyespot.
It requires an aquarium of 10 gallons or larger in size. It is a peaceful fish, but may occasionally quarrel with conspecifics if kept together, or if the tank is too small. When first added to an aquarium it may not eat for several days, but will usually acclimate and begin eating. It is not aggressive towards other shrimp gobies and may even share a burrow with another species.
It is possible for the Orange Stripe Prawn Goby to spawn successfully in an aquarium. They may also form a symbiotic relationship with any pistol shrimp.
The diet should consist of a variety of mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and chopped table shrimp. It needs to be fed at least twice per day.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"
20-Orange Stripe Prawn Goby
Amblyeleotris randalli
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: 4½"
Color Form: Black, Orange, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Family: Gobiidae
The Pinkbar Goby is also commonly referred to as the Shrimp Goby due to the close relationship that can form between it and various shrimp. Its body is silver marked with pink rings, and a yellowish colored tail with bright pink dots outlined in blue.
It should be housed in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble, and requires ample swimming room with a sand bottom for burrowing. It may try to jump out of the aquarium or other small opening, so a tight-fitting lid is required. Rarely will it become aggressive towards other fish, but will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.
It feeds mostly on prey suspended in the water column, but will pick food off the substrate as well. The Pinkbar Goby diet should include mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. It should be fed at least three times per day.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/4" to 2", Medium: 2" to 3" Large: 3" to 4"
21-Sleeper Blue Dot Goby
Valenciennea sexguttata
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, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Maldives
Family: Gobiidae
The Sleeper Blue Dot Goby, also known as the Ladder Glider, Ladder Goby, or Sixspot Sleeper Goby, has a white body with bright blue spots under the eyes and mouth.
In order to successfully care for this fish, it should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as the substrate, and an attached populated refugium. It rarely will become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.
The Sleeper Blue Dot Goby feeds off the bottom as it sifts through the sand eating mouthfuls of substrate and the food that lives within the sand. The diet should include a variety of live and frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live black worms, and prepared foods for carnivores, and it should be fed frequently.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 4"
22-Bluespotted Watchman Goby
Cryptocentrus pavoninoides
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
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, Green, Orange, Red
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Solomon Islands
Family: Gobiidae
The Bluespotted Watchman Goby, commonly referred to as the Blackfinned Shrimp Goby, was first discovered by Bleeker in 1849. There are two color phases. The first has an orange head with blue spots, the body is orange with red bands, and the dorsal fin has black spots. The second phase is olive drab with blue spots.
It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble. It requires ample swimming room and a sand bottom for burrowing. Rarely will it become aggressive towards other fish, but it is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair. It may also be aggressive towards smaller ornamental shrimp. The aquarium requires a tight-fitting cover to prevent it from jumping out.
The Bluespotted Watchman Goby feeds mostly on prey suspended in the water column but will pick food off the substrate. The diet should include mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and table shrimp. It should be fed at least three times per day.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2-1/4"; Medium: 2-1/4" to 4-1/4"; Large: 4-1/4 to 5-1/2"
23-Cave Transparent Goby
Fusigobius sp.
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: Clear, Orange
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Maldives
Family: Gobiidae
The Cave Transparent Goby, also known as the Bridled Goby, is a native of the reefs in the Maldives and Fiji. They are often found in and about both hard and soft corals. This fish gets its name from its transparent appearance. The body of the fish is also covered in orange spots.
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 a smaller aquarium. Therefore, it is best if it is kept with other docile species.
The Cave Transparent Gobies are known to successfully spawn in an aquarium. They typically build a cave under a rock, where they lay their eggs upon the ceiling of the cave.
The diet of the Cave Transparent Goby should consist of a variety of brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. If housed in a reef aquarium with live branching corals, it needs to be fed once a day. If housed in an aquarium without substrate, it will require several feedings per day.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1" to 2" Medium 2" to 3"
25-Steinitz Goby
Amblyeleotris steinitzi
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: 5"
Color Form: Blue, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indian Ocean
Family: Gobiidae
The Yellow Stripe Clingfish is also known as the Urchin Clingfish, and originates from the reefs of the Solomon Islands. Its slender body is reddish brown with a pair of yellow stripes that run the length of the fish. The tail of this fish is round in shape and features a yellow spot within the center.
A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock and corals provide a suitable environment for the Yellow Stripe Clingfish. These fish also will live in close association with a long spine urchin or branching corals. The fish uses this association for both protection and for food. The Yellow Stripe Clingfish also preys upon parasitic bivalves that attack various species of corals.
As a carnivore, the Yellow Stripe Clingfish will thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen carnivore preparations.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"
24-Yellow Stripe Clingfish
Diademichthys lineatus
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: 2"
Color Form: Red, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Solomon Islands
Family: Gobiesocidae
The Steinitz Goby, also known as Steinitz' Prawn Goby, comes from the rubble zones of the reefs of the Indian Ocean. Like other watchman gobies, they have an elongated body with large eyes. The bodies of these gobies are white with brown vertical bands. The entire body is also spotted with small blue spots that intensify with mood. These gobies may form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp.
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 Steinitz 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 2-1/2"
26-Red Striped Goby
Trimma cana
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: 1"
Color Form: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Cebu
Family: Gobiidae
The Red Striped Goby, originating from the reefs of Cebu, is a rare find in the industry. They are smaller gobies, only reaching a total length of 1 inch. Their body is elongated and opaque in color with red vertical stripes. Their large eyes stand out with their gold rims. They are very active and peaceful gobies that will make a wonderful addition to the saltwater reef or fish only aquarium.
It should be kept in a 10-gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and as a supplemental food source. Small groups, or pairs, tend to do better in an aquarium, but need to be introduced to the tank simultaneously. Do not house these gobies with larger, aggressive fish or invertebrates.
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: 3/4" to 1"
27-Orangemarked Goby
Amblygobius decussatus
Minimum Tank Size: 20 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: Orange, White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Gobiidae
The Orangemarked Goby originates from the rubble zones of the Solomon Islands, and is also known as the Orange-Lined Goby. They are a sand sifting species that will continually process mouthfuls of sand in their search for food. They have an elongated body with bright orange markings across the face that fade into a yellow coloration extending along the length of the body. The horizontal lines are joined together with vertical lines across the body, giving it a checkerboard appearance. The Orangemarked Gobies are generally peaceful fish that will aid in keeping your sand bed aerated and clean.
It should be housed in an established 20 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock and a substrate of fine to moderately sized sand. A tight-fitting canopy is necessary to prevent the Orangemarked Goby from jumping out of the aquarium. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.
The Orangemarked Goby feeds on a variety of small crustaceans, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp (live or frozen), mysis shrimp, prepared foods for herbivores, and a quality flake or pellet food.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3"
28-Diagonal Bar Prawn Goby
Amblyeleotris diagonalis
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, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indo-Pacific, Maldives
Family: Gobiidae
The Diagonal Bar Prawn Goby originates within the rubble zones of the Indo Pacific, and is usually found in association with a pistol shrimp. This species is elongated in shape, is adorned with brown bars, and the fins are speckled in brown and blue. They are a peaceful species that will inhabit a small cave in which they will normally not venture far from. These gobies may form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp.
The Diagonal Bar Prawn Goby 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. If incorporating them in small groups or pairs they will need to be introduced to the aquarium simultaneously.
The Diagonal Bar Prawn Goby's diet should consist of a variety of fresh or frozen chopped seafood, and brine and mysis shrimp. It should be offered food at least daily.
Approximate Purchase Size: Medium: 2" to 3" Large: 3" to 4"
29-Tangaroa Goby
Ctenogobiops tangaroai
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 Tangaroa Goby is a beautiful species from the Indo-Pacific that is opaque in color with many red and white flecks covering the entire body. They have a very dramatic, long dorsal fin that is black in coloration. They are a wonderful fish for a passive fish only or reef aquarium, and may form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp.
The Tangaroa Goby is best suited for a 10-gallon or larger aquarium that contains 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.
The diet should consist of mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and chopped table shrimp. The Tangaroa Goby should be fed at least daily.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"
30-Sleeper Railway Glider Goby
Valenciennea helsdingeni
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: Black, Orange, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Sri Lanka
Family: Gobiidae
The Sleeper Railway Glider Goby originates among the rubble zones surrounding the reefs of Sri Lanka. It is white in coloration with two distinct black and orange horizontal lines extending the length of the body. The dorsal fin is black-edged, giving it a dramatic look. It is a very timid fish that makes a great addition to a reef aquarium and will aid in maintaining the sand bed.
It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with a fine to medium sized sand substrate. The Sleeper Railway Glider 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 Sleeper Railway Glider Goby feeds off the bottom as it sifts through the sand. Its diet should include a variety of frozen brine and mysis shrimp, bloodworms, and prepared foods for carnivores. It should be fed at least daily.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 3-1/2"
31-Sleeper Striped Goby
Valenciennea longipinnis
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: Black, Green, Orange, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu
Family: Gobiidae
The Sleeper Striped Goby originates among the rubble zones surrounding the reefs of the Indo Pacific. It is white in coloration with a series of black, orange and neon green horizontal dashes and dots extending the length of the body. The head is also marked in the same colors adding appeal to this species. It is a very timid fish that makes a great addition to a reef aquarium and will aid in maintaining the sand bed.
It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with a fine to medium sized sand substrate. The Sleeper Striped 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 Sleeper Striped Goby Goby feeds off the bottom as it sifts through the sand. Its diet should include a variety of frozen brine and mysis shrimp, bloodworms, and prepared foods for carnivores. It should be fed at least daily.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small 1" to 2"; Medium 2" to 3"; Large 3" to 4"; X Large 4" to 5"
32-Black Barred Convict Goby
Priolepis nocturna
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, Tan, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Eastern Asia
Family: Gobiidae
The Black Barred Convict Goby, also known as the Black Barred Circus Goby, Circus Goby, or Full Moon Reef Goby has a white body with black to brown vertical stripes.
A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of hiding places is suitable for this cryptic fish. It is a great addition to the reef aquarium and will spend most of its time resting and swimming within the rock work. It is non-aggressive towards other fish and will not bother invertebrates in the tank.
The Black Barred Convict Goby is easy to feed and its diet consists of most marine foods. Prepared foods such as vitamin enriched mysis shrimp and brine shrimp should be fed on a regular basis.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1"
33-Yellow Priolepis Goby
Priolepis aureoviridis
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: Green, White, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Eastern Asia
Family: Gobiidae
The Yellow Priolepis Goby, also known as the Yellow-Green Goby, or Golden Green Goby has a body with alternating white and yellow to green vertical stripes.
A 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of hiding places is suitable for this cryptic fish. It is a great addition to the reef aquarium and will spend most of its time resting and swimming within the rock work. It is non-aggressive towards other fish and will not bother invertebrates in the tank.
The Yellow Priolepis Goby is easy to feed and its diet consists of most marine foods. Prepared foods such as vitamin enriched mysis shrimp and brine shrimp should be fed on a regular basis.
Approximate Purchase Size: 3/4" to 1"
33- Gold Neon Eviota Goby
Eviota pellucida
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 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 1"
Color Form: Red, Tan, Yellow
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Cebu
Family: Gobiidae
The Gold Neon Eviota Goby originates from the reefs of Cebu and is a rare find in the industry. They are smaller gobies only reaching a total length of 1 inch. Their bodies are elongated and opaque in color with red vertical bands. Their large eyes stand out with their gold rims, and the nose is marked in white. These are very active and peaceful gobies that will make a wonderful addition to the saltwater reef or fish-only aquarium.
Gold Neon Eviota Gobies should be kept in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and as a supplemental food source. Small groups or pairs tend to do better in an aquarium, but need to be introduced to the tank simultaneously. Do not house these gobies with larger, aggressive fish or invertebrates.
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: 3/4" to 1"
34-Dracula Goby
Stonogobiops dracula
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: Red, White
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Maldives, Sri Lanka
Family: Gobiidae
The Dracula Goby is prized for its unusual and beautiful, stark coloration. Its body is a pure white color rarely seen in the aquarium hobby. But it is the thick bands of deep oxblood red, alternated with thinner stripes of reddish-orange, that place Stonogobiops dracula in a class of elegance wholly its own.
Native to the relatively shallow reefs of the Maldives, wild specimens of the Dracula Goby inhabit open sand areas dotted with rubble near the base of reef structures. In the home aquarium, the Dracula Goby does best when housed in similar habitats. Like other Shrimp Gobies in the Gobiidae family, the Dracula Goby digs shallow burrows in sandy substrate and seldom strays far from its claimed territory. Instead, most prefer to perch on the sand just outside or hover in the water column directly above the burrow entrance.
While poised outside its burrow, the Dracula Goby keeps a watchful eye for both predators and prey. If a larger or aggressive fish approaches, the Dracula Goby will dart back into its burrow to hide. If prey is found floating in the water column, however, Stonogobiops dracula will quickly burst upwards and snatch it before returning almost directly to the mouth of its burrow.
Another characteristic the Dracula Goby share with other Shrimp Gobies, is that the Dracula Goby will also pair with pistol shrimp. Most seem to prefer Alpheus randalli as their burrowmate. However, to best promote this symbiotic relationship, both the Dracula Goby and its hopeful pistol shrimp counterpart should be introduced into the aquarium at the same time. Though peaceful, the Dracula Goby will sometimes spar with similar species, or more aggressive fish of similar size to defend its territory. However, most live peacefully with almost any non-predatory fish in a suitable sized aquarium of at least 10 gallons.
Feed these carnivores a varied diet of mysis shrimp and other frozen meaty foods, and suitable phytoplankton andflake foods. Most gobies do best when fed multiple small meals throughout the day. To best recreate natural feeding conditions, it is best to place the food in the outflow of a water pump or wavemaker so it actively disperses into the water column.
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 2-1/2"
35-Decorated Goby
Istigobius decoratus
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Conditions: dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025, 64-77° F
Max. Size: 5"
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Family: Gobiidae
The Decorated Goby is an ornate substrate-dwelling goby that animates the lower regions of your aquarium with its daily antics. The Decorated Goby will actively roam the substrate in search for food and even swim up into the water column to feed. The decorative, mottled patterning allows the Decorated Goby to blend effortlessly into dark-colored sandy substrate. However, against a lighter-colored substrate, it easier to appreciate the intricate colors and patterning that adorns this attractive sand-sifting goby.
To be successfully cared for, the Decorated Goby should be housed in a well-established 20-gallon or larger aquarium with coarse coralline-encrusted rubble and live sand as the substrate. A populated attached refugium is important to provide a continuous live food source for the Decorated Goby. A well-sealed canopy should also be provided, as the Decorated Goby is capable of leaping out of the aquarium. The Decorated Goby is non-aggressive towards other fish but will demonstrate territorial behavior and fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.
As the Decorated Goby sifts through mouthfuls of substrate, it feeds on food items that live within the sand. This natural feeding behavior has the added benefit of keeping the substrate well oxygenated. The Decorated Goby feeds on a variety of live and frozen brine shrimp,mysis shrimp, live black worms, and prepared foods forcarnivores, and should be fed frequently.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: < 2", Medium: 2"-3", Large: 3"-4".
