Spikefin Goby (Discordipinna griessingeri) Care Guide
Discordipinna griessingeri is a tiny Indo-Pacific goby with a tall spiky dorsal fin, reaching about 3 cm.
Overview
Discordipinna griessingeri, the spikefin goby (also called the flaming prawn goby), was described by Hoese and Fourmanoir in 1978. It is a tiny benthic goby with a maximum length of about 3 cm SL, recognised by an enlarged, spiky first dorsal fin and dark facial spots.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Discordipinna
- Scientific name: Discordipinna griessingeri Hoese & Fourmanoir, 1978
- Common names: Spikefin goby, flaming prawn goby
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species is widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea to the Marquesas Islands, including Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is a secretive bottom-dweller of reef areas with live coral, rubble and sand, recorded between 2 and 45 m (usually 2-15 m). It is not associated with burrows or commensal shrimp.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 50 L (13 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 3 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.1, indicating a carnivorous diet of small invertebrates. In aquaria this secretive species requires small live and frozen foods and a mature system with abundant micro-fauna.
Compatibility
Discordipinna griessingeri is a peaceful, reclusive, bottom-dwelling species. Its very small size requires calm, small tankmates and excludes larger predatory fishes.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2015).