Sharknose goby

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Atlantic Ocean: widely distributed throughout the Caribbean Sea, Bahamas, and Lesser Antilles. Found on coral heads.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Gobiidae family. Small, slender cylindrical body. Features fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup. Grows to 4 cm (1.6 inches).

Social Behavior: Peaceful cleaner fish. Establishes cleaning stations on coral heads, advertising its services to reef fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is dark brown to black. A longitudinal neon stripe begins yellow on the snout and shifts to bright blue-green towards the tail. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum aquarium size of 50 liters (13 gallons). Provide ample live rock with crevices and tiny holes for shelter.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on skin parasites. Readily eats finely chopped frozen mysis, brine shrimp, cyclops, and micro pellets.

Water Quality: Keep standard marine parameters stable: temperature 22-27°C (72-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Highly peaceful. Safe in all reef environments. Larger fish welcome its cleaning behavior; avoid large predatory fish. 100% reef safe.

Aquarium Reproduction: Spawns inside small cavities. Raising larvae requires micro live foods like rotifers.

Risks and Diseases: Hardy. Readily survives on standard aquarium foods even without fish hosts to clean.