Gobiodon okinawae

Datasheet

General Description

The Okinawa goby (Gobiodon okinawae), also known as the Yellow coral goby, is a small fish belonging to the Gobiidae family. These fish are native to the Western Pacific region, ranging from southern Japan to the Rowley Shoals and the southern Great Barrier Reef, including Palau and the Marshall Islands in Micronesia. With an average maximum size of 3.0cm, they are petite and typically inhabit the lower levels of the aquarium.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums, particularly small setups, the Okinawa goby requires special attention to its needs to thrive. While it can be kept in a tank as small as 50 liters if appropriately equipped, it is generally recommended to house it in a larger aquarium for optimal well-being. These fish are best kept in pairs, consisting of a male and a female, as they tend to thrive and exhibit more natural behaviors in such setups.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species of goby falls under the category of average hardiness, requiring stable water conditions to thrive. Known for their docile temperament, they are quite shy and should be kept away from more aggressive tank mates to prevent stress. Okinawa gobies are sensitive during transportation and acclimatization, emphasizing the need for careful handling during these processes. Providing live food can increase their chances of adaptation to aquarium life.

Reef Suitability

With caution, the Okinawa goby is considered reef-safe. They are known to thrive in aquariums with Acropora corals, often hiding within the branches. When present in pairs, these gobies may even lay eggs on the underside of Acropora branches, showcasing interesting breeding behaviors within a reef setting.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Okinawa gobies should include suitable hiding spots within Acropora corals, as they prefer this environment. Maintaining appropriate water parameters, such as a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, is crucial for their well-being. Additionally, offering a varied diet of small crustaceans like krill and zooplankton such as pods can help sustain their nutritional needs.

Behaviour

Okinawa gobies are known to be docile and timid, often hiding amongst coral branches for security. Their behavior revolves around seeking shelter and foraging for small crustaceans in the substrate. When kept in pairs, they may exhibit parental care behaviors, especially when laying eggs on coral structures.

Feeding and Diet

These gobies are carnivorous feeders, preferring small crustaceans like krill and zooplankton such as cyclops and pods. Offering a diverse diet rich in protein is essential for their overall health and vitality in the aquarium.

Dimorphism

The dimorphism of the Okinawa goby involves differences between males and females, especially in terms of behavior during breeding. In captivity, observing and potentially facilitating breeding behaviors can provide insights into their reproductive biology and contribute to the successful breeding of this species.