Gobiosoma oceanops

Common Names:

Neon Goby

Synonyms:

Elacatinus oceanops

Family:

Gobiidae

Category:

Blennoid_Gobioid

Distribution:

Atlantic - West; Tropical West Atlantic; southern Florida to Belize.

Main Ecosystem:

Reef; Reef

Temperament:

Peaceful; Excellent community fish, these fish offer natural parasitic controls. As a parasite cleaner they are not common prey for others, so the possible tankmates for these fish are almost unlimited.

Diet:

Ominvore; Ominvore

Care:

Good beginner species, they accept a wide variety of foods. They are active swimmers, with an almost humorous characteristic. Their cleaning behaviour can be seen in captive systems, as they will hitch a ride with fish requiring their services, or in the case of larger species such as a grouper, they can be seen cleaning inside the mouth, searching for parasites, dead tissue, and leftover foods. Provide rocky outcroppings. Liverock should be abundant.

pH:

Temperature:

24°C - 27°C

75°F - 81°F

Specific Gravity:

1.02 - 1.026

Potential Size:

Male: 5cm (2")
Female: 5cm (2")

Water Region:

Bottom; Bottom

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Differences lie within the genital papilla which lies immediately in front of their anal fins. The males' are cone-shaped and pointed at the tip; while those of females' are generally and rounded at the tip.

Breeding:

Successfully bred in captivity, and tank raised neons account for nearly 70% of all sold in the trade.

Variants:

Comments:

Main Colours:

Black, Blue

Markings:

Striped Horizontal

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Flat