More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 100 litres / 26.42 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 8.0cm / 3.15inches |
| Reef Compatible | Always reef safe |
| Temperament | Mostly peaceful but might be aggressive towards similar species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Orangemarked Goby, also known as the Crosshatch Goby, Orange-striped Goby, or Pink-lined Goby, is a member of the Gobiidae family, specifically Amblygobius species. These small fish are native to the Western Central Pacific, ranging from the Philippines to New Caledonia, north to the Yaeyama Islands, and south to the Great Barrier Reef, including Micronesia.
Aquarium Suitability
The Orangemarked Goby is considered suitable for aquariums with care. This species is mostly peaceful but can display aggression towards similar species. They prefer a well-established aquarium with plenty of algae for grazing.
Demands
This species thrives in water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (kH) of 8-12.
Care and Hardiness
The Orangemarked Goby is of average hardiness. They prefer living in pairs and need a substrate that allows for burrowing. These fish are known to be sensitive during transportation and acclimatization.
Reef Suitability
Orangemarked Gobies are always reef-safe, making them suitable for reef aquarium setups.
Aquarium Setup
When setting up an aquarium for Orangemarked Gobies, it's essential to provide a substrate that enables burrowing, such as sand, coral pieces, and shells. Securely placed rocks can help create holes for them to inhabit. Rocks should be placed to prevent toppling as these fish have a habit of rearranging them.
Behaviour
Orangemarked Gobies are mostly peaceful but can show aggression towards similar species. They are known to jump out of open aquariums, so caution is advised.
Feeding and Diet
These Gobies primarily feed on microalgae, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. In aquariums where algae may be scarce, it is essential to feed them frequently and provide algae-rich supplements.
Dimorphism
Orangemarked Gobies can live as pairs, consisting of male and female. They are known to assist in keeping the sandy substrate clean by filtering sand through their gills for food.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, Orangemarked Gobies can be found in habitats ranging from the East Indian Ocean to Australia, Indonesia, and across the Central/West Pacific. Their distribution includes areas from the Philippines to New Caledonia, extending north to the Yaeyama Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef, reaching throughout Micronesia.