Citron Clown Goby

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical Indo-Pacific. An obligate coral dweller, strictly associated with branching corals of the genus Acropora in protected lagoons down to 15 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Gobiidae. Reaches about 6.6 cm in length. Laterally compressed body covered with a slimy, toxic protective mucus that deters predators.

Social Behavior: Very calm, spends its time perched among the branches of stony corals. Can show strong territoriality, defending its branch against other members of its species.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Intense lemon-yellow or yellow-orange body. Characterized by thin, electric neon-blue vertical lines with dark borders around the eyes and at the fin bases.

Aquarium Setup: Needs a mature reef aquarium of at least 40 liters (10 gallons) containing live colonies of branching stony corals (SPS, particularly Acropora) to perch on.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Initially shy, requires frequent, targeted feedings of fine meaty foods (mysis, brine shrimp, finely minced clam pulp).

Water Quality: Temperature 23-28°C (73-82°F), pH 8.0-8.5, specific gravity 1.022-1.026. Water must be of excellent quality, typical of a well-established reef system.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef-safe. Excellent for tanks with corals and invertebrates. May slightly nip Acropora polyps to clear space for spawning or feed on mucus.

Aquarium Breeding: Bidirectional hermaphrodite. Spawning occurs by depositing eggs at the base of a coral branch. Raising fry is complex at home.

Risks and Diseases: Produces a skin toxin harmful to other fish if attacked or in tiny spaces without carbon filtration. Do not handle with bare hands.