Spinecheek Goby
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Image:Oplopomus oplopomus.jpg
A hardy and efficient sand stirrer. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This species is fairly hardy in captivity, readily adapting to aquarium fare, and is proficient at stirring the upper sand surface. Make sure it gets enough to eat as it usually takes food directly off the substrate.
Family: Gobiidae
Other common name(s):
- Pretty Lagoon Goby
Native range:
Habitat: In the wild this species inhabits silty bottoms of inner lagoons and bays and is also found in shallow to deep coastal sand and mud flats.
Maximum length: 8 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Meaty foods, including finely shredded frozen seafood, mysid shrimp, frozen preparations, pigment-enriched flake food, and Cyclop-eeze. Feed at least twice a day.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
It tends not to be aggressive toward heterospecifics, although it is sometimes bullied by more belligerent bottom-dwellers (e.g., hawkfishes and sand perches).
[edit] Notes
While it may hide initially, it will quickly become familiar with its new surroundings and start spending more time in the open (unless bullied). It may jump out of an open aquarium.
| Common name | Spinecheek Goby +, and Pretty Lagoon Goby + |
| Family | Gobiidae + |
| Genus | Oplopomus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 20 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific +, East Africa +, Society Islands +, and Ryukyu Islands + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | oplopomus + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |