Red-striped Sand Goby

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Tropical Indo-Pacific. Inhabits shallow coastal lagoons and sheltered sand beds near coral formations or rubble.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Gobiidae. Reaches a small size of about 4 cm. Elongated and slightly compressed body with steerable protruding eyes.

Social Behavior: Very peaceful and calm fish, spends time resting on fine sand or low rocks watching the environment.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Cream-silver background coloration striped with bright red or orange longitudinal lines along the flanks. Translucent fins.

Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 40 liters (10 gallons) with a fine sand bed and rock fragments for shelter. Do not expose to strong flow.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Offer very fine frozen foods like baby brine shrimp, copepods, and small mysis. Accepts micro-granule dry food.

Water Quality: Temperature 22-27°C (72-80°F), pH 8.0-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Requires high stability of chemical water parameters.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef-safe. Coexists peacefully with small corals and invertebrates. Do not keep with aggressive or voracious bottom fish.

Aquarium Breeding: Reproduction is not documented in the home aquarium due to the complexity of larval rearing.

Risks and Diseases: Given its small size, it can jump or get lost in overflows. A tight lid and protection screens are recommended.