Asterropteryx semipunctata

Datasheet

General Description

The Starry goby, also known as the Star-finned goby or Halfspotted goby, belongs to the Gobiidae family under Asterropteryx. These fish are typically small in size, reaching a maximum of 7.0cm, and are native to the vast Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Red Sea all the way to the Hawaiian and Tuamoto Islands.

Aquarium Suitability

Starry gobies are considered suitable for most aquarium setups, being classified as hardy fish and generally docile in temperament. They thrive in well-established tanks with ample hiding spots, such as among live rocks. These fish are best kept away from more aggressive tankmates due to their shy nature.

Demands

As a species that requires frequent feeding, Starry gobies should be offered a varied diet multiple times a day to ensure their well-being. They do well in aquariums with a rich presence of micro life, like copepods and amphipods, allowing them to forage for food naturally.

Care and Hardiness

Starry gobies are known for their hardiness, making them relatively easy to care for in a home aquarium setting. Maintaining stable water parameters within the specific ranges of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature between 22.2-25.6 degrees Celsius, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025 is crucial for their health.

Reef Suitability

These fish are considered reef safe, making them a great addition to reef tanks without posing a threat to corals or other invertebrates commonly found in such environments.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up the ideal tank for Starry gobies involves providing adequate hiding places, a minimum tank size of 50 liters, and a well-maintained environment with proper filtration. Incorporating live rocks can offer natural hiding spots for these shy fish.

Behaviour

Known for their docile temperament, Starry gobies are generally peaceful and prefer to stay out of conflicts with tankmates. They tend to gravitate towards quieter areas of the aquarium, utilizing hiding places to feel secure.

Feeding and Diet

Starry gobies have a diverse diet that includes detritus, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. Their feeding regimen should consist of small and frequent meals to meet their nutritional needs adequately.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Starry gobies can be found in various regions across the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and parts of the Pacific Ocean. Their distribution ranges from southern Japan to Lord Howe and Rapa, encompassing a wide expanse of the tropical Indo-Pacific waters.