Earspot Coral Goby Care Guide
Gobiodon atrangulatus is a tiny Western Pacific coral goby that lives among Acropora corals in an obligate, monogamous social system.
Overview
Gobiodon atrangulatus, the Earspot Coral Goby, is a very small marine coral goby of the Western Pacific. FishBase classifies it as a coral-commensal species found among Acropora corals, with an obligate and social monogamous mating system. Like its relatives in the genus it is capable of facultative air-breathing.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Gobiodon
- Scientific name: Gobiodon atrangulatus
Habitat
FishBase records the species in the Western Pacific between Japan and Fiji. It is a non-migratory tropical reef fish found among the branches of Acropora corals.
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 3.5 cm
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
A carnivore. In the aquarium it accepts small meaty foods such as cyclops, enriched brine shrimp and finely chopped mysis, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
A peaceful species that forms monogamous pairs. It suits calm companions such as clownfish, cardinalfish and wrasses; lionfish and other predators should be avoided.
Reef compatibility
Reef-safe with the caveat that it perches on branching Acropora and may occasionally nip at small-polyp stony coral polyps. It is otherwise harmless to the reef and depends on branching corals for shelter.