Greenbanded Goby Care Guide
Elacatinus multifasciatus is a tiny Western Atlantic goby marked with many pale green bars that shelters among rock-boring urchin spines.
Overview
Elacatinus multifasciatus, the Greenbanded Goby, is a very small marine goby of the Western Atlantic, now widely placed in the genus Tigrigobius. FishBase describes a dark green body with 17 to 23 pale green bars and a brownish stripe through the eye interrupted by a bright red spot. It was described by Steindachner in 1876.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Elacatinus
- Scientific name: Elacatinus multifasciatus
- Common synonyms: Tigrigobius multifasciatus, Gobiosoma multifasciatus
Habitat
FishBase records the species in the Western Atlantic from the Bahamas and Central America to northern South America. It lives on pitted limestone faces and in tide pools in surf areas of clear waters, often sheltering among the spines of rock-boring sea urchins.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 50 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Maximum size: about 5 cm
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
A carnivore. In the aquarium it accepts small meaty foods such as enriched brine shrimp, cyclops and finely chopped mysis, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful species, though it can be territorial toward its own kind in small tanks; FishBase notes it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. It suits calm companions such as clownfish, cardinalfish and wrasses; lionfish and other predators should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
Reef-safe. It does not harm corals or sessile invertebrates and appreciates rockwork and crevices that mimic its natural shelter.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 1 March 2010).