Red-banded Goby

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Northwest Pacific, native to the coasts of Japan, Korea, and southern Siberia. Inhabits rocky shores and shallow tide pools in cool, temperate waters down to 10 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Gobiidae family, genus Pterogobius. Features an elongated body and prominent separate dorsal fins. Grows up to 9 cm (3.5 inches) in length.

Social Behavior: Peaceful. Often hovers in mid-water above the substrate, unlike most bottom-dwelling gobies. Digs small caves under rocks for shelter.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is light yellow-grey with 6-7 bold vertical black bars edged in bright red. Terminal males display intensified coloration during spawning.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank size of 200 liters (50 gallons) with open sand areas. A chiller is required in summer to keep water below 24°C (75°F). A secure lid is essential.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on zooplankton. Provide frozen mysis, brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped marine seafood twice daily.

Water Quality: Maintain stable temperate marine parameters: temperature 18-24°C (64-75°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12. Good water circulation is required.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Unsuitable for tropical reef setups due to temperature mismatch. Best housed with other temperate marine fish.

Aquarium Breeding: Unreported in captive environments. Spawns adhesive eggs under flat rocks in the wild.

Risks and Diseases: High risk of heat stress if kept at tropical reef temperatures. Known jumper; ensure the tank has a secure screen cover.