Multi-lined Clown Goby

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Pacific: from Ryukyu Islands south to the Great Barrier Reef. Found in shallow lagoons and protected coral reefs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Gobiidae. Deep, scaleless body covered with slippery skin. Reaches a maximum length of 3.5 cm.

Social Behavior: Strictly coral-dwelling, residing in live Acropora colonies. Forms monogamous pairs and defends its host coral.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Brownish-green body with fine vertical parallel pale lines on the head and gill covers. No distinct sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Demands a nano reef tank of at least 40 liters. Healthy branching Acropora corals are essential for its well-being.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on micro-crustaceans and zooplankton. Provide fine foods like cyclops, copepods, and rotifers multiple times daily.

Water Quality: Maintain stable parameters: temperature 24-28 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025. Standard reef filtration is required.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful with other fish. Do not house with large, predatory species. May nip host coral tissue to lay eggs.

Aquarium Breeding: Lays adhesive eggs on host coral branches. Breeding is possible but raising the planktonic larvae is extremely difficult.

Risks and Diseases: Highly prone to starvation in young tanks. Thick mucus coating provides resistance against marine ich.