Engineer Goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia) Care Guide
Often sold as a small, attractive fish with bold black and white horizontal stripes resembling a convict's uniform, but grows surprisingly large to 35 cm.
Overview
Pholidichthys leucotaenia is a species in the family Pholidichthyidae. Often sold as a small, attractive fish with bold black and white horizontal stripes resembling a convict's uniform, but grows surprisingly large to 35 cm. Juveniles school together and create elaborate tunnel systems beneath the rockwork. Not a true goby — belongs to its own family. Fascinating burrowing behavior can rearrange the entire aquascape overnight.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pholidichthyidae
- Genus: Pholidichthys
- Scientific name: Pholidichthys leucotaenia
- Other names: Convict Goby, Convict Blenny
- Origin: Indo-Pacific
Habitat
Native to the tropical western Pacific from Indonesia and the Philippines to the Solomon Islands. Inhabits coral and rocky reefs to about 25 m, where adults excavate extensive burrow systems beneath rocks and corals. Juveniles mimic the venomous striped catfish Plotosus lineatus; the only fish placed in the family Pholidichthyidae.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- KH: 8-12 dKH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 5-35 cm
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 3
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Swimming level: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Tangs, Wrasses, Blue Chromis
- Avoid with: Aggressive Bottom Dwellers, Very Small Fish
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe with caution: may disturb aquascaping by burrowing under rocks and corals, and large adults may prey on small ornamental shrimps. Coral itself is generally left alone.
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
- Breeding difficulty: advanced