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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Breeding Elacatinus evelynae (Sharknose Goby)
Overview
Elacatinus evelynae (Bohlke & Robins, 1968), the sharknose goby, is a Western Atlantic cleaner goby from the Bahamas and Lesser Antilles to northern South America. FishBase reports a maximum size of 4.0 cm TL across a depth range of 1-53 m, with the fish living in pairs near coral heads on clear-water reefs. Like the neon goby, it is a cleaner and forms breeding pairs suited to small reef systems.
Sexing
FishBase records the species' mating as monogamous, both obligate and social, and notes the fish occur in pairs near coral heads. The sexes are not easily separated by external appearance, so pairs are obtained by allowing a small group to settle into bonded pairs, as is standard for Elacatinus cleaner gobies.
Conditioning
Adults feed on the ectoparasites of other fishes, sitting at an estimated trophic level of about 3.4. In the aquarium a pair is conditioned on frequent small meaty foods. A stable reef with cleaning-station structure (live rock and coral heads) supports the pair bond that precedes spawning.
Breeding Setup
A small, stable reef or species tank suits a pair, with knowledge-base parameters of temperature 24-26 degrees C, pH 8.1-8.4 and moderate flow. A spawning recess such as a small cave, shell or pipe section provides the enclosed surface needed for the demersal clutch.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Following the Elacatinus pattern, the pair attaches adhesive demersal eggs inside the chosen crevice. A settled, well-fed pair in stable conditions spawns repeatedly; no distinct external trigger beyond good condition and a secure site is documented for this species.
Egg & Fry Care
Consistent with closely related cleaner gobies, the male guards the demersal eggs at the nest until hatching, and the larvae are planktonic afterward. Larvae of Elacatinus cleaner gobies are reared on rotifers progressing to Artemia nauplii before settlement; species-specific rearing data for E. evelynae is more limited than for the neon goby.
Common Challenges
- Securing a compatible bonded pair from a small group.
- Offering first foods sized for small larvae before they accept Artemia.
- Keeping larval-rearing water quality stable through the planktonic phase.