Sharknose Goby Care Guide
Elacatinus evelynae is a small Western Atlantic cleaner goby that removes ectoparasites from larger reef fish and pairs well in nano marine tanks.
Overview
Elacatinus evelynae, the sharknose goby or Caribbean cleaning goby, is a small marine fish of the family Gobiidae. It was described by Bohlke and Robins in 1968. The species is a dedicated cleaner fish: it feeds on ectoparasites and dead skin taken from larger reef fish, and is widely kept in small marine aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Elacatinus
- Scientific name: Elacatinus evelynae
- Authority: Bohlke & Robins, 1968
Habitat
The species occurs in the Western Atlantic, from the Bahamas and the Lesser Antilles to the northern coast of South America, including the Antilles and the western Caribbean. It is reef-associated, favouring clear oceanic and insular waters, and is recorded at depths of 1 to 53 m. Individuals position themselves on coral heads and textured surfaces to hold station against currents.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 50 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
Elacatinus evelynae is a carnivore and a cleaner. In the wild it removes ectoparasites and dead skin from other fish, and also consumes sponges, sea squirts, coral polyps, zooplankton and free-living copepods. Females clean and feed more than males. In aquaria it accepts small meaty foods offered about twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-oriented goby usually found in pairs. It is suited to community reef tanks with calm tank mates such as clownfish, cardinalfish and wrasses, and should not be housed with predatory species such as lionfish that may eat it.
Breeding
The species is monogamous and usually found in pairs, with both sexes defending against same-sex intruders. It has been reared in captivity; successful breeding depends on stable temperature and salinity.