Greenbanded Goby

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Tropical Atlantic: Caribbean Sea, from Bahamas to Venezuela. Inhabits shallow rocky shores and coral heads, often associated with sea urchins down to 10 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Gobiidae. Features a cylindrical body and fused pelvic fins. Reaches a maximum length of 5 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and sedentary. Often hides among the spines of Diadema sea urchins for safety. Does not exhibit active cleaning behavior.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Semi-translucent body with 10-15 vertical bright green or blue-green bands. A dark horizontal stripe through the eye. No sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Suitable for nano reefs of at least 40 liters. Hiding places like small rock crevices or simulated sea urchins are recommended. Secure lid required.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates and zooplankton. Accepts fine frozen foods like cyclops, copepods, and minced mysis.

Water Quality: Maintain stable parameters: temperature 23-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025. Standard reef filtration is sufficient.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful with other fish. Ideal for small reef communities. Does not act as a cleaner. Do not house with predatory species.

Aquarium Breeding: Lays adhesive eggs in crevices. Males guard the nest. Pelagic larvae are difficult to rear in home aquaria.

Risks and Diseases: Known to jump if startled. Highly resistant to typical skin parasites under stable conditions.