Neon goby
Elacatinus oceanops · Gobiidae
Also known as Blue neon goby
Beginner
Tiny captive-bred cleaner that perches on rock and picks parasites off tank mates.
In short: A neon goby needs at least 40 L (11 US gal), water at 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Reef safe.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Aggression
- Peaceful.
- Feeding
- Small feeds two to three times daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 40 L (11 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 1–3 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — finely chopped mysis, small pellets.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Western Atlantic and Caribbean
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Coral heads used as cleaning stations
- Natural conditions
- Moderate flow, stable water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Bottom
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishTangsCardinalfish
- Avoid
- HawkfishDottybacksLarge predators
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Females are plumper when in condition.
- Notes
- Lays eggs in a shell or tube; among the easiest marine fish to breed.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichShort natural lifespan
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