Elacatinus oceanops

Datasheet

General Description

The Proaquatix Neon Goby, scientifically known as Elacatinus oceanops, showcases stunning electric blue stripes along its dark blue head and sleek body. With distinctive light-blue horizontal stripes starting above the eyes and extending to the tail, this goby adds a vibrant touch to any aquarium.

Aquarium Suitability

The Neon Blue Goby is a hardy species suitable for smaller nano reef aquariums, requiring a tank size of at least 10 gallons. However, they can exhibit territorial behavior and aggression towards their own species unless paired. They are known to spawn in captivity, typically laying eggs in crevices or shells within the aquarium.

Care and Hardiness

With an easy care level, the Neon Blue Goby is resilient and ideal for beginner aquarists. Its small size and peaceful temperament make it a popular choice for reef tanks. Ensuring a varied diet tailored to carnivores is crucial for their well-being, especially in a reef aquarium where they should be fed once a day.

Reef Suitability

Being reef-compatible, the Neon Blue Goby can coexist with corals and other reef inhabitants harmoniously. Their peaceful nature and small size make them a great addition to reef ecosystems, contributing to the overall biodiversity and beauty of the tank.

Aquarium Setup

To cater to the needs of the Neon Blue Goby, a well-equipped aquarium with stable water conditions is essential. A tank size of at least 10 gallons, appropriate hiding spots, and a balanced pH level ranging from 8.1 to 8.4 are recommended. Maintaining a specific gravity between 1.020 and 1.025 and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 is crucial for their health.

Behaviour

The Proaquatix Neon Goby is generally peaceful but can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards conspecifics. Ensuring they have ample hiding spots and space to establish territories can help minimize aggression within the aquarium. Their active nature adds liveliness to the tank environment.

Feeding and Diet

As carnivorous feeders, Neon Blue Gobies require a varied diet rich in foods designed for carnivores. In the wild, they feed on parasites from larger reef fish, a behavior that can be replicated in captivity by providing suitable carnivorous fish feeds. Regular feeding schedules, coupled with a diverse diet, are essential for their overall health and vitality.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in the wild in regions where they can feed on parasites, the Neon Blue Goby is known for its presence in reef environments. Their natural habitat often includes coral reefs, where they contribute to the ecosystem by playing a role in parasite control. Understanding their natural habitat and behavior can aid in creating a suitable environment in captivity.