Bryaninops amplus

Datasheet

General Description

The Large Whip Goby, scientifically known as Bryaninops amplus, is a small fish belonging to the Gobiidae family. They are commonly found residing on various whip corals and soft corals in the Indo-Pacific region, stretching from South Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef.

Aquarium Suitability

Being a peaceful species, the Large Whip Goby is suitable for special aquarium setups. They have an average hardiness level and are known to be always reef safe, making them an excellent choice for reef tanks. Their small size of up to 5.0cm and peaceful temperament contribute to their compatibility with smaller aquariums, with a minimum tank size recommendation of 50 liters.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Large Whip Gobies have certain demands to thrive in captivity. They require frequent feeding, particularly when first introduced to the aquarium. Providing zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods is recommended to ensure their well-being. The water conditions in the tank should ideally maintain 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.

Reef Suitability

With their peaceful temperament and reef compatibility, Large Whip Gobies are well-suited for reef aquariums. They pose no threat to the coral ecosystem and can coexist harmoniously with other reef inhabitants.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Large Whip Gobies, it is essential to provide ample hiding places among whip corals and soft corals to mimic their natural habitat. Maintaining stable water parameters within the recommended ranges and ensuring a well-established microfauna population for natural feeding behavior are crucial for their health and longevity.

Behaviour

Large Whip Gobies exhibit peaceful behavior within the aquarium environment. They are known to be non-aggressive towards other tank inhabitants and spend much of their time perching on whip corals or soft corals, displaying a calm and unassuming demeanor.

Feeding and Diet

These small fish have a diet primarily consisting of zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. They are known to feed multiple times a day, especially when natural food sources are limited in the aquarium. Providing a varied diet rich in small food particles is key to fulfilling their nutritional needs.

Habitat and Distribution

Large Whip Gobies are native to the West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the East Pacific, with their distribution ranging from South Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef. They typically inhabit whip corals and soft corals in shallow reef environments throughout the vast Indo-Pacific region.