Bryaninops yongei

Datasheet

General Description

The Whip Coral Goby, scientifically known as Bryaninops yongei, is a tiny species that typically inhabits whip corals and soft corals in the waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They belong to the Gobiidae family, known for being small fish that dwell close to the bottom of the ocean.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for special aquarium setups, Whip Coral Gobies have an average hardiness level and peaceful temperament, making them a good addition to tanks with the appropriate conditions. They are relatively small, with a maximum size reaching 4.0cm, and can coexist in pairs if introduced simultaneously. These fish require frequent feeding, especially when newly introduced to ensure they find enough food in the tank.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

With a recommended diet of zooplankton like Cyclops and pods, Whip Coral Gobies are known to be reef compatible, being categorized as always reef safe. They can thrive in aquariums with water conditions that have a pH ranging from 8.1 to 8.4, a specific gravity between 1.020 and 1.025, and a temperature between 22.2 to 25.6 degrees Celsius. They are commonly found in various locations, including the West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and both the East Pacific and Central/West Pacific regions.

Reef Suitability

Whip Coral Gobies are well-suited for reef environments, as they are peaceful in temperament and pose no threat to coral or other inhabitants. Their small size and specific habitat preferences make them a great addition to reef tanks that seek to replicate their natural surroundings.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Whip Coral Gobies involves creating an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Providing whip corals or soft corals within the tank is essential, as these fish use them as shelter and forage for food around these structures. A minimum tank size of 50 liters is recommended to accommodate their needs and ensure they have ample space to swim and explore.

Behaviour

In terms of behavior, Whip Coral Gobies are peaceful creatures that tend to stay close to their chosen coral homes. They exhibit typical goby behavior, such as darting in and out of hiding spots, and may sometimes get lost in tank overflows due to their small size. Observing their interactions with tank mates can provide insight into their specific behaviors within the aquarium setting.

Feeding and Diet

These fish have a specific diet that includes zooplankton like Cyclops and pods. It is crucial to feed them several times a day, especially during the initial stages of introduction to the tank. Once they acclimate and find natural food sources in the aquarium, their feeding frequency can decrease, but regular feeding remains important to their health.

Habitat and Distribution

The Whip Coral Goby is native to the Indo-Pacific region, with a range extending from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian and Rapa islands. They can be found as far north as the Ryukyu Islands and as far south as the northern Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, they have been recorded in locations such as the outer shelf off Miyakojima in the East China Sea. Their distribution highlights their adaptability to a diverse range of marine environments within the specified regions.