Spotted Dwarfgoby (Eviota guttata) Care Guide
Eviota guttata is a tiny Indian Ocean dwarfgoby reaching about 3.2 cm, living on shallow mixed coral and algal reefs.
Overview
Eviota guttata, the spotted dwarfgoby, was described by Lachner and Karnella in 1978. It is one of the smallest reef fishes, reaching a maximum total length of about 3.2 cm. The species is native to the western Indian Ocean and is reef-associated and benthic.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Eviota
- Scientific name: Eviota guttata Lachner & Karnella, 1978
- Common name: Spotted dwarfgoby
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the Indian Ocean across the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, the Seychelles and the Maldives, with the holotype recorded from Massawa, Eritrea. It inhabits inshore areas near continental and island shores, associated with shallow reefs that combine coral and algal growth, in water generally shallower than 15 m.
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 3.2 cm total length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
The species is a micro-carnivore. FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.1, consistent with feeding on small benthic and planktonic invertebrates. In aquaria it accepts small frozen and prepared foods sized for tiny mouths.
Compatibility
Eviota guttata is a peaceful, bottom-oriented species. Because of its very small size it should be kept only with calm, small tankmates and must not be housed with larger predatory fishes that would consume it.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2017).