Pleurosicya mossambica

Datasheet

General Description

The Toothy Goby, scientifically known as Pleurosicya mossambica, is a small fish belonging to the Gobiidae family. This species is also referred to as the "Many-host goby," "Common ghost goby," and "Mozambique ghost goby." It can reach a maximum size of 3.0cm and is native to the waters of the Indo-West Pacific, spanning from the Red Sea and East Africa to regions like Fiji and the Marquesan Islands.

Aquarium Suitability

Gobies, in general, are known to be small and well-suited for aquarium life due to their bottom-dwelling nature. The Toothy Goby is considered suitable for aquariums with a minimum tank size of 50 liters, but it requires careful attention and frequent feeding. Its hardiness level is unknown, and it may get lost in overflows due to its diminutive size.

Care and Hardiness

Specific information regarding the hardiness and temperament of the Toothy Goby is currently unavailable. However, it is essential to note that this species demands regular feeding multiple times a day, especially when newly introduced to an aquarium. Providing a diverse diet that includes small crustaceans and zooplankton is recommended to ensure its health.

Reef Suitability

The reef compatibility of the Toothy Goby remains unspecified. Due to its small size and potential to get lost in overflows, cautious consideration should be taken when introducing this species to a reef tank environment.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Toothy Goby, maintaining water conditions within the parameters of pH 8.1-8.4, temperature ranging from 22.2-25.6°C, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 is crucial. Ensuring appropriate hiding spots and a sandy substrate to mimic its natural habitat will help create a suitable environment for this tiny fish.

Behaviour

Details regarding the temperament and behavior of the Toothy Goby are currently undocumented. However, like many Gobies, this species may exhibit bottom-dwelling behaviors and interactions within its aquatic surroundings.

Feeding and Diet

To meet the dietary needs of the Toothy Goby, offering a varied diet consisting of small crustaceans such as krill and mysis, along with zooplankton like cyclops and pods, is recommended. Ensuring frequent feeding sessions is essential, particularly if the fish struggles to find enough natural food within the aquarium.

Dimorphism

Information on the dimorphism of the Toothy Goby is not available. Additionally, details regarding captive reproduction are currently unspecified.

Habitat and Distribution

The Toothy Goby, Pleurosicya mossambica, is commonly found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Mexican Gulf, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Central/West Pacific regions. Its natural habitat typically includes coastal areas with sandy substrates where it can exhibit bottom-dwelling behavior.