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Neon goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
Photo: Jmk7 · CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Minimum tank
40 L
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
5 cm
Group size
1+
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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
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
40 L
Aggression
Peaceful.
Feeding
Small feeds two to three times daily.
Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
40 L
Temperature
23–27 °C
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
Clownfish
Tangs
Cardinalfish
Avoid
Hawkfish
Dottybacks
Large 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 ich
Short natural lifespan

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