Shortstripe Goby

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Central Atlantic, from the Bahamas to the coasts of Venezuela. Lives in close association with large tube sponges on coastal reefs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Family Gobiidae. Commonly known as the Shortstripe Goby. Features an elongated body and rounded head with a functional pelvic suction disc. Reaches about 5 cm in length.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, active, and a facultative cleaner. Establishes cleaning stations on rocks or sponges to attract larger client fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Dark gray or black body with a bright yellow stripe starting from the snout and stopping halfway down the body. Sexual dimorphism is not outwardly apparent.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 40 liters with live rock and caves. The presence of sponges is not mandatory but highly appreciated.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Feeds on skin parasites of fish in nature. In aquariums, it readily accepts frozen brine shrimp, fine mysis, and micro-pellets.

Water Quality: Marine standards: temperature 22-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025. Requires efficient filtration.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent community fish. Actively cleans other fish without stressing them. Do not house with predators of small fish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Achievable in home aquariums. Spawns in tubes or cavities; males guard the nest until hatching.

Risks and Diseases: Prone to starvation if placed in tanks without tankmates or without proper supplementary feeding. Good jumper.