Origin

Indo-Pacific, Atlantic

Tank Temperature

75-82°F

pH

8.0-8.4

Specific Gravity

1.020-1.024

Feeding

Small meaty items and some vegetation. Will usually accept frozen fresh and prepared foods like flakes and pellets.

Behavior

May become territorial; generally peaceful bottom-dwellers. Some may sift sand and substrate. Needs rubble/rockwork to hide in if threatened.

Compatibility

Community and Coral Safe; Invert Safe, with caution; best kept in pairs or groups. Use caution when housing with large Angels, Blennies, Damsels, Hogfish, Grunts/Sweetlips, Parrotfish, Pseudochromis/Dottybacks, Puffers, Squirrelfish, and aggressive Wrasses, Anglers/Frogfish, Eels, Groupers, Lionfish, Scorpionfish, Seahorses, Pipefish, or Triggers.

Species Overview

Gobies make up the largest and one of the most diverse groups of saltwater fish. Members of the group are also found in freshwater and brackish environments.

Most gobies are hardy, peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of tankmates. Some, such as cleaner gobies and clown gobies, are very small and are perfectly suited for smaller reefs and nano tanks. Shrimp Gobies are sought after for the interesting symbiotic bonds they form with pistol shrimp. These interactions can be very entertaining to watch in any size aquarium. Some gobies are also valuable workers, keeping the sand bed stirred and free of algae.

Gobies are generally peaceful bottom-dwelling fish, except for Firefish and Dartfish which spend most of their time hovering higher in the aquarium. Some gobies get territorial and will defend "their area" of the tank against other fish; these gobies should not be kept with others of the same or a similar species.

Most gobies are not picky eaters. They can be fed a variety of small meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, Cyclopeeze, plankton and similar items. They will also eat some plant matter like a variety of algaes and can be given these as a supplement.

We always suggest that you do further research before adding a new pet to your tank. What we have provided for you are guidelines and suggestions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact our fish room at 717-299-5691 ext. 1213 or marinebio@thatpetplace.com.

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