Neon Goby

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Elacatinus oceanops - Jordan, 1904
Neon Goby

Resting on a brain coral, a typical pose for this nano species. Scott W. Michael

[edit] Overview

This streamlined, blue-streaked beauty cleans other ­fishes of ectoparasites, but readily accepts prepared aquarium foods. While the cleaning behaviors can be fascinating to watch, do not expect them to solve all disease problems you might encounter in the aquarium.

Family: Gobiidae

Other common name(s):

Native range:

Habitat: Reef. Provide with overhangs, caves and crevices. The Neon Goby is a bottom-lover that will perch on mound-shaped corals or live rock. If a fish visits these spots and invites cleaning, it will oblige. It has been known to dart into the mouths of larger predators and remove parasites and bits of food from between their teeth.

Maximum length: 5.1 cm (2 in)

Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)

Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)

[edit] Feeding

Carnivore. Feed meaty foods, such as Cyclop-Eeze, mysid shrimp and enriched brine shrimp, at least once a day.

[edit] Aquarium Compatibility

This lovely little fish is peace-loving and will only show hostility toward its close relatives. If the tank is large enough, these little fish will simply spread out over the captive reef rather than fight. They can also be kept in pairs in smaller tanks. The Neon Goby is not usually harassed by other fishes, although some of the more bellicose fishes may chase it, and some predatory species may attempt to eat it. It is not a threat to ornamental invertebrates.

[edit] Breeding/Propagation

Demersal (on or near the bottom) spawners that tend and protect their broods. It regularly spawns in the home aquarium, laying benthic eggs in a hole. Raising the fry requires special care and feeding.

[edit] Notes

Formerly known as Gobiosoma oceanops.

Reference: 101 Best Saltwater Fishes
Image credit: SWM
Text credit: SWM
Facts about Neon GobyRDF feed
Common name Neon Goby  +
Family Gobiidae  +
Genus Elacatinus  +
Image credit SWM  +
Maximum length 2 in  +
Minimum aquarium size 10 gal  +
Native range Caribbean  +, Gulf of Mexico  +, Western Atlantic  +, and Belize  +
Reference 101 Best Saltwater Fishes  +
Specific name oceanops  +
Text credit SWM  +
Water max temp 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F)  +
Water min temp 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F)  +
Water type Marine  +
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