Page 262 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

260 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

GOBIES

Gobies are an adaptable group of fish.
Representatives are found in freshwater,
marine, and brackish surroundings, in both
tropical and temperate regions. The small
size of most species and the fact that they are
relatively easy to keep make these fish a good
choice for the home aquarium, where some
species have even been bred successfully.
Males often guard the eggs, which may be
laid in the crevices of rocks, and the young fish
grow rapidly. Unfortunately, many species of
gobies are naturally short-lived, so it is
advisable to start out with young individuals.
Stunning patterning and bright coloration are features of many gobies and
dartfish, as illustrated by these Zebra Gobies (Ptereleotris zebra).

Elacatinus oceanops Cryptocentrus cinctus Lythrypnus dalli
Neon Goby Yellow Prawn Goby Catalina Goby

ORIGINS From the coast of Florida in the western ORIGINS East Africa through the Indo-Pacific region, to ORIGINS Restricted to the eastern Pacific, where it
Atlantic and down through the Caribbean region. Japan in the north and Australia in the south. occurs from southern California to the Gulf of California.
SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). SIZE 2 ⁄4 in (6 cm).
1
DIET Marine flake and other small foods. DIET Small invertebrates and similar foods. DIET Small invertebrates.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 64–72°F (18–22°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Relatively tolerant. TEMPERAMENT Tolerant but often territorial. TEMPERAMENT Tolerant but often territorial.
Bright sulfur-yellow coloration is characteristic of
these fish. The pale bluish-white spots on the head
also extend to the fins, while the body may display
faint barring. The eyes are set high on the head,
ensuring that the fish can still see when they are
partially concealed in the substrate. These gobies
need to be housed with symbiotic Alpheus pistol
shrimp. The shrimp dig a burrow home which
they share with the fish; in return, the gobies
defend the burrow against predators.
Neon Gobies have a brilliant blue stripe, edged The number of blue bands on the body of this
with black, running from nose to tail. They belong vibrantly colored species can vary from three to
to a group known as cleaner gobies, so called six. The male, shown here, has longer front rays
because part of their food intake in the wild comes on its dorsal fin than the female. Originating from
from cleaning skin parasites off other fish. These more temperate waters than most popular marine
gobies may adopt a favorite vantage point in the fish, Catalina Gobies should ideally be kept at a
tank where water currents will carry suspended lower water temperature. They may still thrive in
food particles to them. Neon Gobies rank among warmer water, but they will not live as long. These
the most easily bred of all marine aquarium fish. gobies can be bred successfully in the aquarium.

US_260-261_Gobies.indd 260 29/08/18 4:10 PM