Threadfin Reefgoby (Priolepis nuchifasciata) Care Guide
Priolepis nuchifasciata is a small cryptic Western Pacific reefgoby that lives in small caves, reaching about 4 cm.
Overview
Priolepis nuchifasciata was originally described by Günther in 1873. FishBase lists it under the common names orange reef-goby and threadfin reefgoby. It is a small, cryptic goby reaching a maximum total length of about 4 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Priolepis
- Scientific name: Priolepis nuchifasciata (Günther, 1873)
- Common names: Orange reef-goby, threadfin reefgoby
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the Western Pacific across Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong and the Gulf of Thailand, with questionable records from Oman and Vietnam. It inhabits rocky estuary reefs and small caves at depths of 5-30 m, where it is cryptic and usually found in pairs in marine to brackish conditions.
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 4 cm total length (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.1, consistent with a carnivorous diet of small invertebrates. In aquaria it requires small frozen and prepared foods and plenty of rockwork with caves and overhangs.
Compatibility
Priolepis nuchifasciata is a peaceful, secretive, cave-dwelling species. Because it spends much of its time hidden and is small, it suits calm tankmates and should not be kept with larger predators.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2023).