BiomesInaBox

Tag: reef safe

  • Black Neon Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    The Black Neon Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis x Psuedochromis springeri) is a hybrid fish bred from the Springeri Dottyback and Neon Dottyback. This hybrid fish is semi-aggressive and grows to 3″ in size as an adult. Don’t let their small size fool you, because this fish can hold its own in an aquarium. Black Neon Dottybacks have a beautiful blend of colors from both parents. The black body of the Springeri Dottyback mixes with the yellow body of the Neon Dottyback, to form a gorgeous orange/brown on the Black Neon Dottyback. They also have vibrant blue streaks that run horizontally throughout their face and fins. This guide will discuss aquarium requirements, food & dietary needs, Black Neon Dottyback compatibility with other fish, and more.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Black Neon Dottybacks will do best in 30-gallon or larger aquariums. Due to their semi-aggressive personalities, they may claim an aquarium area as theirs and will do their best to protect their home. That’s also why it’s important to provide plenty of live rock. The live rock allows this fish to explore and claim its own space. Providing a lot of live rock will also give other fish their own space, hopefully preventing aggression between fish.

    Like many other fish, the Black Neon Dottyback can jump out of the aquarium. I recommend providing a well-fitted lid on your aquarium to help prevent that from happening. They mostly hang out around rocks, but can easily dart up when spooked and jump out of your fish tank.

    Water Parameters

    Keeping water parameters in appropriate ranges for your fish’s needs is important for the overall health of the fish. Luckily, most fish have a fair range of parameters they will do well under. The following are the water parameters your Black Neon Dottyback does best with.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is the Black Neon Dottyback Reef Safe?

    Black Neon Dottybacks are reef-safe. They will not bother corals and most invertebrates. You may see them pick on rocks or grab something out of the water. They’re likely picking off microorganisms such as copepods of the rock. There is a lot of back-and-forth on whether this fish is safe with shrimp, and I recommend being cautious when keeping them together. Small shrimp, like Sexy Shrimp, will likely become an expensive snack. Larger shrimp often have more luck, but can become targets for the fish. If you’re inclined to try to keep these two together, I recommend providing a lot of rock with plenty of ledges and hiding spaces for the shrimp.

    Food & Diet

    This fish, like most other dottybacks, is carnivorous by nature. Their diet should primarily be rich in protein. I recommend feeding them foods such as Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, Krill, and other meaty foods. I enjoy using Hikari frozen fish food to provide protein for this species of fish. Black Neon Dottybacks should also readily accept pellet food as supplemental food.

    If your fish is hiding or being stubborn about eating, consider feeding live baby brine shrimp so it doesn’t starve. It may prefer hunting for its meal. Another tip is to turn off your powerheads and drop frozen food near the Black Neon Dottyback’s den. This will give it a chance to slowly creep out of its hiding space and grab food. Lastly, try mixing your food with garlic or fish-safe garlic extract, like Brightwell Aquatics Garlic Power. Many fish cannot resist the aroma of the extract, and it is generally good for them, in moderation.

    Tank Mates

    Dottybacks are territorial and aggressive by default. If you want to keep one, I recommend adding them last into the aquarium, to give other fish a chance to settle in and establish their territories. If you’re trying to keep a very peaceful fish tank, maybe look to other fish that won’t bother others. Besides Orchid Dottybacks most dottybacks are considered aggressive and may pick on other fish.

    Fish that have the most success with dottybacks are Cardinals, Chromis, Clownfish, sand-sifting gobies, foxfaces, tangs, dwarf angels, and damsels. Most of these fish either occupy a different part of the aquariums, don’t look like a territorial threat to the dottyback, or are tough enough to hold their own against an aggressive species of fish. I would recommend not keeping them with large-mouth fish and predatory fish. Anything that can fit into a fish’s mouth has a strong chance of becoming food.

    Black Neon Dottyback and Peppermint Shrimp

    I covered most of this earlier, but I would be cautious about keeping a Black Neon Dottyback and Peppermint Shrimp. They can do perfectly fine together, but I have heard cases where the dottyback destroys the population of shrimp in the aquarium. The personality of the individual fish is likely to play a large role whether it’ll mess with shrimp or not.

    Breeding

    Due to their aggression, I do not recommend mixing dottybacks, unless you own an incredibly large fish tank. These fish will likely battle it out relentlessly which will make successful breeding impossible.

    Final Notes

    The Black Neon Dottyback is a very cool-looking hybrid fish that may be an excellent choice for your saltwater fish tank. You’re always taking a gamble on keeping them with their territorial personalities, but the colors they bring to an aquarium make them a very tempting choice. If you’re shopping around for dottybacks, check out the many other species out there by following this link.

  • Helfrichi Firefish – Complete Care Guide

    The Helfrichi Firefish, sometimes called the Helfrichi Dartfish, is a species of fish that is incredibly peaceful, with gorgeous purple, lavender, and yellow colorations throughout its body. Although their dorsal fin does not grow as long as other Firefish species, they are still fantastic fish to keep in a saltwater fish tank. The cost of this fish may scare away some potential buyers, but this could be just the right fish for a certain person. This guide will cover the aquarium needs, food & dietary requirements, and tank mate suggestions for the Helfrichi Dartfish.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Helfrichi Firefish grow to 2.5″ and will do great in saltwater fish tanks that are 20 gallons or larger. They will spend most of their time hovering near and around live rock. I recommend providing them with plenty of rockwork, with different-sized holes so they can choose which crevice to call home.

    Like many species of dartfish, the Helfrichi Firefish is known to jump out of fish tanks when frightened. Something as basic as the lights turning on can cause this fish to dart up and out of the aquarium. I recommend providing a well-fitted lid to help prevent this fish from jumping out of the aquarium.

    Water Parameters

    Keeping water parameters in check is very important to maintaining a healthy ecosystem in a glass/acrylic box. Whether it’s coral or fish, they will not do well if their parameters are swinging constantly, or are out of their normal range. The following are the water parameters that the Helfrichi Firefish will thrive under.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Are Helfrichi Firefish Reef Safe?

    Yes, the Helfrichi Firefish is reef-safe. It is a carnivore that consumes microorganisms in rockwork or that are free-floating, but it will not bother coral or other desirable invertebrates.

    Food & Diet

    Due to its carnivorous diet, the Helfrichi Dartfish should be fed an assortment of protein-rich foods. They should readily take Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, and other frozen fish food. I suggest also feeding them the NewLife Spectrum Marine Formula. Providing a variety of foods gives them a wider range of nutrients, which will aid in keeping them healthy.

    Tank Mates

    Helfrichi Firefish are generally very peaceful fish. They do best with other peaceful fish. They will do great with Chromis, Dwarf Angels, Blennies, Clownfish, Sand Sifting Gobies, Tangs, and many other species of fish. I would be careful when keeping them with fish that use the same space in the aquarium. So I would be a little cautious with Dottybacks, Wrasses, and other similar types of fish. Also, I would not recommend keeping them with aggressive fish or fish that can eat them. So fish such as Eels, Groupers, Triggers, Lionfish, and large Angelfish.

    You can also keep Helfrichi Firefish alone or as a pair. Due to their cost, I would not recommend buying groups and trying to have them “sort it out” amongst themselves.

    Breeding

    Successfully breeding and raising young is either incredibly hard or impossible in a typical home reef tank or saltwater aquarium. I do not have experience breeding Helfrichi Firefish. However, there are plenty of discussions available among fish keepers. Here is a great forum post on reef2reef that discusses how to distinguish between males and females so you can find a pair.

    Final Notes

    There are many different species of Firefish available. The Helfrichi is the most expensive, but some might say it’s the most beautiful. They are gorgeous fish and could be an excellent addition to many reef tanks. If you have any experience with this fish, please don’t hesitate to share it with me.

  • Sleeper Blue Dot Goby – Complete Care Guide

    The Sleeper Blue Dot Goby (Valenciennea sexguttata) is a large sand-sifting species of goby that is often kept in saltwater aquariums. This goby is predominantly white, with small blue dots around its face and gills. Blue Dot Gobies will grow to about 5.5″ inches when fully grown. These heavy-duty excavators are fantastic at helping you get a nice clean sand bed.This article will cover the aquarium requirements, dietary needs, tank mate suggestions, and more for the Blue Spotted Goby.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Due to its size, Blue Dot Sleeper Gobies could be kept in aquariums that are 30 gallons or larger. However, I recommend keeping them in something even bigger. I suggest choosing a smaller species of goby for a 30-gallon fish tank. My top picks are Yellow Watchman, Two Spot, or Yasha White Ray Gobies. These species don’t grow as large as the Blue Dot Goby, so their food requirements will not be as demanding.

    Sand sifting gobies, sift through sand in search of micro-organisms like copepods. Many gobies will likely consume processed fish food, but there may be some that are incredibly picky. Regardless of aquarium size, it is recommended to set up a refugium, which will be a great place for copepods to grow, reproduce, and supplement the aquarium with live foods. Sumps are great places for refugium, but for smaller saltwater aquariums, many people convert a Hang-On Back Filter into a refuge. A Hang-On refugium can also be purchased, such as the CPR Aquatic Tank Refugium.

    Sleeper Gobies can jump, like many other goby species. Anything can spook them and cause them to dart up and out of the aquarium. I recommend providing a well-fitted lid on your fish tank to avoid this.

    Rock & Sand

    The Blue Dot Sleeper Goby will need live sand, like Carib Sea Fiji Pink. In my opinion, this is one of the better sands because it is not too fine and not too coarse. You’ll want to avoid crushed coral sand or sand that is incredibly fine. Crushed coral sand will be a little too coarse, and the goby will not be able to sift through it. Sand that is incredibly fine will constantly be stirred up and may get all over your aquarium.

    I recommend using live rock for your saltwater aquarium as well. Blue Dot Gobies will create their burrows in the sand bed along the rockwork. Live rock is also beneficial for your reef tank because it provides quite a bit of surface area for beneficial bacteria to grow.

    Water Parameters

    Keeping stable water parameters is very important in keeping your fish, coral, and whole aquarium system in check. Most saltwater fish will have the same water parameter requirements. The following water parameter ranges are what the Blue Dot Sleeper Goby does best with.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is the Blue Dot Sleeper Goby Reef Safe?

    Yes, the Blue Dot Sleeper Goby is reef safe. It should not bother any coral or invertebrate in your aquarium. However, if you keep clams and other coral in your sand bed, the Sleeper Goby may accidently bury parts or all of them, when it is sifting for food.

    Food & Diet

    This fish species is carnivorous. They will spend most of their time sifting through the sand bed looking for microorganisms. Many individual fish in this species will readily consume Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and protein-rich pellet food, but there may be some picky ones. Your system needs to be large enough and established enough to be home to many different microorganisms found in the sand. As stated above, a refugium with macroalgae and live rock is an excellent nursery for these microorganisms.

    Tank Mates

    Blue Dot Gobies are generally peaceful and should keep to their territory. They should not really bother any other fish, besides other gobies and jawfish that may encroach on their territory. This fish species should do well with most other peaceful marine fish. They’re great to keep with Anthias, Basslets, Blennies, Butterflies, Chromis, Clownfish, Dwarf Angels, Foxfaces, Tangs, Wrasses, and much more. Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish, and fish that can easily swallow the Blue Dot Goby.

    It is possible to keep a pair of Blue Dot Sleeper Gobies in an appropriately sized aquarium together. Unfortunately, I do not have information on how to sex this fish.

    diamond goby vs sleeper blue dot goby fish

    Is a Citron Goby and Sleeper Blue Dot Goby Compatible?

    The Citron Goby and Sleeper Goby should generally be good tank mates. The Citron Goby does not spend time in the sand bed but instead is a rock-dwelling species of fish. On the other hand, the Blue Dot Goby spends most of its day sifting through the sand bed. The two fish should rarely interact with one another.

    Breeding

    I do not have any other breeding information to provide for this species.

    Final Notes

    Blue Dot Sleeper Gobies are powerhouses in regards to keeping a good portion of your sand bed clean. Their incredibly large mouths will churn through sand in search of food. Although they are not the most vibrant species of fish, their white colorations and gentle blue spots still make them fantastic options for a reef tank. If you are not convinced in keeping the Blue Dot Goby, you’re welcome to check out many other goby species.

  • White Banded Possum Wrasse- Complete Care Guide

    White Banded Possum Wrasse- Complete Care Guide

    The White Banded Possum Wrasse (Wetmorella albofasciata) is an elusive but incredibly fun fish you can keep in a saltwater fish tank. They are predominately red with patches of black throughout, and vertical white bands spread across its body. It is a small species of wrasse but also very eye-catching. This guide will discuss White Banded Possum Wrasse’s aquarium needs, dietary requirements, tank mate compatibility, and more.

    Aquarium Requirements

    This fish will grow to only 2.5 inches in length which makes it a great choice for a nano reef tank, like a 10-gallon. They do best with varying-sized pieces of live rock for it to explore. As stated above, they are elusive and very shy. They will hide in and out of the rockwork when scared, stressed, and when searching for food. Possum Wrasses do not bury themselves in the sand at night, so they do not necessarily require sand in the aquarium. However, live sand is beneficial for the overall health of your fish tank.

    Wrasses are notorious for jumping out of fish tanks, that’s no different for the Possum Wrasse. I recommend covering your aquarium with a well-fitted lid to prevent this from happening.

    Water Parameters

    Keeping water parameters in check is one thing you should strive to do. This is especially true for saltwater fish, because they are a little more sensitive to water fluctuations than freshwater fish. The following are water parameters needed by the White Banded Possum Wrasse.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is the White Banded Possum Wrasse Reef Safe?

    The White Banded Possum Wrasse is reef safe. It will not bother any coral or invertebrates, such as crabs, snails, and shrimp. It will be a benefit for your reef because it will consume nuisance inverts like bristleworms and flatworms, that can irritate coral if populations aren’t kept under control.

    Food & Diet

    Possum Wrasses are carnivorous and require a protein-rich diet. They will find a lot of food on their own in the aquarium, but should also be fed at least once a day. I recommend providing them with a variation of Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and other meaty foods. They may also consume pellet food, and my go-to pellet food is New Life Spectrum – Marine Formula.

    Tank Mates

    White Banded Possum Wrasses are incredibly peaceful fish. They are much more docile and elusive than many other Wrasse species. They will do well with most other peaceful marine fish. The list is long but some of the fish they will do great with are:

    • Dwarf Angels
    • Anthias
    • Basslets
    • Blennies
    • Butterflies
    • Cardinals
    • Chromis
    • Clownfish
    • Foxfaces
    • Gobies
    • Tangs

    There are plenty of other fish species that are compatible with Possum Wrasses. When picking out tank mates, consider the space in the aquarium the fish will use. There may be territorial disputes if two or more fish utilize the same space. Also, consider the size of your aquarium. If your fish tank is too small, you’re just asking for fights to break out between fish. If possible, I would avoid keeping The White Banded Possum Wrasse with other Wrasses, just to avoid aggression and fighting. They will not do well with large-mouth fish, such as Anglers, Groupers, Eels, and many other large fish.

    Breeding

    I have never attempted to breed White Banded Possum Wrasses, and there is not much information available on whether it’s even possible. Saltwater fish in general are incredibly hard or impossible to breed in captivity, with a few exceptions of course. If anyone has information on breeding this fish, please let me know!

    Final Notes

    White Banded Possum Wrasses are very unique fish with an arrowhead shaped body, and interesting color patterns. They’re very elusive and shy when introduced into the aquarium. With time and patience they will warm-up to you and their surroundings. The White Banded Possum Wrasse is harder to find compared to the Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse, but either species is an excellent choice for a saltwater reef tank. If this wrasse is not for you, check out other Reef Safe Wrasses available.

    Image by Mark Rosenstein on wikiMedia

  • Yasha White Shrimp Goby – Complete Care Guide

    Yasha White Shrimp Goby – Complete Care Guide

    The Yasha White Shrimp Goby (Stonogobiops yasha), often called the Yasha Goby, is a unique but also hard-to-find saltwater fish. It is a sand-sifting goby that is excellent for nano tanks. It has a mainly white body with red, orange, and yellow markings throughout its body. Yasha Gobies also have an elongated dorsal fin which adds to its uniqueness. This guide will discuss this goby’s aquarium requirements, food and dietary needs, tank mate compatibility, and more.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Yasha Gobies stay very small compared to many other goby species. They only grow to about 2.5″ fully grown. This makes them fantastic candidates for nano reef tanks. Yasha Gobies can be kept in aquariums as small as 10 gallons. They will spend their days sifting for micro-organisms and will create burrows in sand along live rock. So it’s important to provide a deep sand bed and a fair amount of rock for them to use.

    Like many other gobies, Yasha Shrimp Gobies should have a well-fitted lid on their aquarium. When they are spooked or stressed, they often dart from danger and may jump out of the fish tank as a result. You can likely purchase pre-made aquarium lids, or you can create your own using glass, acrylic, screen kits, or many different types of material.

    Water Parameters

    Water parameters are incredibly important to keeping an aquarium successfully. Swinging parameters, or water parameters that do not match the requirements of fish, invertebrates, and coral will cause you to struggle in this hobby. Some fish can tolerate parameters that do not match their needs, but we want our fish to thrive. The following are water parameters needed for Yasha Gobies to thrive.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is the Yasha Goby Reef Safe?

    Yes, the Yasha Goby is reef-safe. It will not actively damage coral or consume invertebrates. However, be cautious because coral kept on your sand bed can be buried since this species of fish spends its day sifting sand in search of food. I would recommend keeping as much coral as you can on your live rock to avoid it getting buried by gobies.

    Food & Diet

    Yasha Shrimp Gobies are carnivorous fish and sift through sand in search of micro-organisms. The food you provide should mimic their diet in nature. The best foods for this goby are Mysis Shrimp and Brine Shrimp. Foods like Krill may be a little large for Yasha Gobies. I would also recommend feeding a protein-rich pellet food to your goby. One of my favorites is the New Life Spectrum Marine Formula.

    Tank Mates

    Yasha Gobies are generally very peaceful fish. They do best with other peaceful fish. They’ll do great with fish such as Anthias, Blennies, Butterflies, Clownfish, Dwarf Angels, Foxface, rock-dwelling Gobies, Tangs, and Wrasses. I would be cautious when keeping Yasha Gobies with other sand-sifting Gobies or Jawfish because they spend most of their time in and around the sand bed. The Yasha Goby should be one of the first bottom-dwelling fish added to your aquarium. They may get bullied out of their burrow by other goby species, so it’s best to introduce them first to give them a chance to establish their territory. I would not recommend keeping them with large and more aggressive fish.

    In appropriately sized aquariums, Yasha Shrimp Gobies can be kept in pairs. You can distinguish a male from a female fairly easily. The males have a black spot on their pelvic fin, while females do not.

    Yasha Goby and Pistol Shrimp

    The Yasha Shrimp Goby will pair with a pistol shrimp. There are many different types of Pistol Shrimp available, and some pair better than others. The one many reefkeepers seem to suggest is the Candy Stripe Pistol Shrimp, which is sometimes called the Randall’s Pistol Shrimp. Tiger Pistol Shrimp pair better with larger gobies like the Watchman Goby. You’re welcome to check out the Yellow Watchman Goby – Complete Care Guide for more information on them.

    Breeding

    There has been success in breeding Yasha White Gobies in captivity. Many you see on sale online are captive bred. However, I do not have any information on how to breed Yasha Gobies. You can check out the success story of breeding this fish on Reef Builders by Rising Tide Conservation.

    Final Notes

    There are many different species of sand sifting goby available in this hobby. Some are heavy-duty sifters, like the Sleeper Gobies, and others are less so. The Yasha Goby is a great fish if you’re looking for a pop of color and a fish that will not rearrange your aquarium like other goby species.

  • Pink Streaked Wrasse – Complete Care Guide

    The Pink Streaked Wrasse (Pseudocheilinops ataenia) is a beautiful species of wrasse with various pink, orange, and blue colorations. As its name suggests, the Pink Streak Wrasse has horizontal “streaks” throughout its body. They’re a very peaceful fish species and are generally easy to care for. This guide will dive deeper into the Pink Streak Wrasse’s aquarium requirements, dietary needs, tank mate compatibility, and breeding.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Sometimes called the Pink Streaked Pygmy Wrasse, this fish species is an excellent choice for many different saltwater aquariums, including nano fish tanks because they only grow to 2.5 inches. I recommend keeping them in 20 gallons or larger aquariums, but if you have plenty of saltwater experience, they can thrive in reef tanks as small as 10 gallons. I also recommend providing them with plenty of live rock of different sizes because they are often very shy when first introduced into the aquarium.

    Many wrasses are known to jump out of the fish tank. That’s no different with the Pink Streaked Wrasse. I recommend a well-fitted lid to prevent this from happening.

    Water Paremeters

    Having stable water parameters is an important aspect of keeping a successful saltwater aquarium. The following are water parameters this species does best under.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Are Pink Streaked Wrasse Reef Safe?

    Pink Streaked Wrasses are reef safe. They should not bother any desirable coral or invertebrate in the aquarium. You will often see this species of fish weave in between different kinds of coral, but it will not bother them. They may nibble on nuisance inverts like bristleworms and flatworms.

    Food & Diet

    This species is carnivorous, so they will need a protein-rich diet. A good source of protein will be Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and other meaty foods found at fish stores. I recommend giving them pellet food as well, to provide a well-rounded diet. For pellet food, the New Life Spectrum Marine Formula is a good choice, but many different brands can be used. Lastly, it never hurts to provide flake food for this wrasse.

    Tank Mates

    Pink Streak Wrasses are very peaceful. They will mostly mind to themselves and are more likely to be picked on by other fish due to their docile nature. They’re amazing for community saltwater fish tanks. They will do great with fish like Clownfish, Chromis, Gobies, Cardinalfish, Butterflies, Jawfish, Dwarf Angels, Tangs, and Blennies. I would be a little cautious when adding them with fish that use the same space in the aquarium, like Dottybacks and other Wrasses.

    I would not recommend them with predatory fish or fish that get incredibly large. Keep them away from Eels, Triggers, Groupers, Large Angels, Anglers, and many other types of large aggressive fish. They will either get picked on or become food for the large fish.

    Breeding

    I have never bred this species of fish before, but I have read that fish keepers have kept them in small groups. There is not much information on successfully breeding Pink Streaked Wrasses, but you can distinguish between males and females fairly easily because they are sexually dichromatic. Males will have more vibrant streaks of yellow and the females will have a blue coloring over their gills. Regardless, of being able to distinguish between male and female, I feel like the Pink Streaked Wrasse, like many other saltwater fish will be incredibly difficult to breed successfully in a home aquarium.

    Final Notes

    There are a lot of different species of Wrasses available in this hobby. The Pink Streak Wrasse is considered one of the best for reef aquariums. They have gorgeous colorations and are incredibly peaceful. If you’re setting up a nano reef, consider getting a Pink Streaked Wrasse. If you are not sold on this species, check out other reef-safe Wrasses available in this hobby. It is a growing list of species, so stay tuned for future updates.

  • Black Clown Goby – Complete Care Guide

    The Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon strangulatus) as the name suggest, is an all black saltwater fish. It is generally a peaceful fish that spends its time perched on rocks, coral, glass, or equipment in the aquarium. It does not sift through sand like other species of goby. This carnivorous fish is fairly easy to care for, and this guide will cover the Black Clown Goby’s aquarium requirements, food and dietary needs, compatible tank mates, and more.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Black Clown Gobies only grow to a max size of 1.5 inches. It is possible to keep them in a 10 gallon aquarium or larger. I usually recommend at least a 20 gallon aquarium for beginners due to the sensitivity of saltwater fish and water parameters swings. The aquarium should be full of varying sized live rock that the fish can perch on. I would recommend keeping a lid on the fish tank because this species can jump out.

    Water Parameters

    Water parameters and keeping them stable is very important to having a healthy fish tank. Most saltwater fish have similar water parameter requirements, but there are some exceptions to this. The following are the parameters that the Black Clown Goby will need.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is the Black Clown Goby Reef Safe?

    Just like other species of Clown Goby, Black Clown Gobies are mostly reef safe. A single Clown Goby may not disturb SPS coral, but a breeding pair likely will. This species may lay eggs under branching stony coral, like Acropora, which may recede the skin of the coral. The only other note is that they will likely rest on coral which could cause the polyps to close, which could stress the coral out. They should not bother invertebrates in the aquarium.

    Food & Diet

    I mentioned earlier that this fish species is carnivorous. In the home aquarium they should be fed a variety of protein rich foods. I recommend providing them with Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and other types of meaty foods that can be found online and at pet stores. Black Clown Gobies will also benefit from getting supplemented with a high quality flake food and a high quality pellet food. I enjoy using the New Life Spectrum All Purpose Flake Food and the New Life Spectrum Marine Pellet Formula for my saltwater aquariums.

    Tank Mates

    The Black Clown Goby is a peaceful fish and should not bother others in the aquarium. They will be perfectly fine with Dwarf Angels, Clownfish, Wrasses, Tangs, Foxfaces, Rabbitfish, Butterflys, Basslets, other gobies, and many other fish. However, be cautious when adding them with other rock dwelling fish. Other species may bully Black Clown Gobies away from their rocky territory.

    Black Clown Gobies can also be kept in pairs, if you have an appropriately sized aquarium. Up to four individuals should work in a 40 gallon or larger aquarium. Do not keep an odd number of fish because one of the three will likely be picked on quite a bit.

    Breeding

    It is likely that Black Clown Gobies will breed in the aquarium. They will lay eggs on different surfaces like cables, rock, and glass, to name a few. I have not personally bred this species before, but there is a fantastic forum post on Marine Breeding Initiative, that discusses the process in great detail, mentioning things that went well, and areas that did not succeed.

    Final Notes

    There are many different species of goby in this hobby. Most of us are looking for a sand sifting species to help maintain a clean sand bed. If you’re looking for something different, really consider the Black Clown Goby. If this species doesn’t catch your attention, there are plenty of other saltwater fish available for you.

  • Green Clown Goby – Complete Care Guide

    Green Clown Goby – Complete Care Guide

    The Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon atrangulatus), sometimes called the Green Warpaint Clown Goby, is a gorgeous green and red saltwater fish. Similar to other species of clown goby, this one does not sift through sand but instead spends its day perched on rocks and corals waiting for food to come its way. A full grown Green Clown Goby will be about 1.75 inches, which makes them an excellent choice for a nano aquarium. This Clown Goby care guide will discuss aquarium requirements, dietary needs, tank mates, breeding, and more about the Green Clown Goby.

    Aquarium Requirements

    As stated earlier, this species of fish only grows to about 1.75″ when fully grown. They can be kept in saltwater fish tanks that are 10 gallons or larger. Green Clown Gobies love to perch on rocks and corals, so their aquarium should have plenty of live rock of varying sizes for them to rest on. If you can’t find any at your local fish store, consider taking a look at the Live Rock on Amazon. They will also use this rock as cover when startled or stressed. Besides live rock, I would also recommend a lid for your aquarium to prevent this fish from jumping out.

    Water Parameters

    The Green Warpaint Goby has similar water parameter requirements to most saltwater fish in this hobby. It is important to keep these water parameters stable and within range to keep your fish, invertebrates, and coral happy. The following parameters are what this species of fish thrive in.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is the Green Clown Goby Reef Safe?

    The Green Clown Goby is generally reef safe. I say generally because they can cause damage to SPS coral, especially Acropora when they are breeding. In the wild, they lay their eggs on the underside of SPS coral. This will cause the coral tissue to recede. They will likely do the same to your SPS coral in the aquarium. Otherwise, they should not bother any soft coral, zoanthids, or invertebrates.

    Food & Diet

    This species of fish requires a protein-heavy diet because it is carnivorous. It is up to you whether you feed these fish frozen foods or freeze-dried foods but I recommend providing them with Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, and many other types of meaty foods. They should easily accept other types of food like flake food and pellet food. I recommend feeding them New Life Spectrum All Purpose Flake Food and New Life Spectrum Marine Formula Pellet Food. Your Clown Goby and most other saltwater fish will benefit from these foods.

    Tank Mates

    Green Clown Gobies are very peaceful fish and should not bother anyone else in the aquarium. I recommend keeping them with many different types of fish such as Dwarf Angels, Tangs, Foxfaces, Clownfish, Rabbitfish, Basslets, Blennies, Chromis, and much more. You have to be careful with fish that use the same space of the aquarium, like Blennies, Basslets, and other rock-dwelling fish. It shouldn’t be a problem in a large enough fish tank.

    They may become territorial with other Clown Gobies in smaller aquariums, but pairs can be kept together if you’re fine with them possibly breeding in the aquarium. I would not keep odd numbers of this fish species because there will likely be a lot of fighting between the three. In a 40 gallon aquarium, you could likely get away with keeping up to 4 individuals.

    Breeding

    Clown Gobies will likely breed in your saltwater fish tank if you keep a pair. I have not personally bred them, but there is a great forum post on Marine Breeding Initiative that discusses the process of successfully breeding your Clown Goby from egg to adulthood.

    Final Notes

    The Warpaint Goby is a fantastic and uniquely colored fish to add to a saltwater aquarium. They have a very docile nature and can sit on rocks and corals for minutes to hours. It’s very entertaining to observe them move about their day. It’s also not very common to see a green fish like this. However, if this fish isn’t for you, consider taking a look at many other saltwater fish available in this hobby.

    Image by Dr. Oliver Schneider on wikiMedia

  • Citrinis Clown Goby – Complete Care Guide

    Citrinis Clown Goby – Complete Care Guide

    The Citron Goby, sometimes called the Citrinis Clown Goby, or Citrin Goby, is a beautiful yellow and blue saltwater fish. They’re small fish that will only grow to about 2 inches. They are generally very peaceful and should not bother other fish in the aquarium, but they may fight amongst themselves. Citrin Gobies will often sit motionless on rocks, glass, and sand beds for minutes to hours. This article will go deeper into this Clown Goby’s aquarium requirements, dietary needs, tank mates, and more.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Due to their small size, a Citrin Goby can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium, but I would recommend at least a 20-gallon aquarium. Unlike many species of goby, this one does not sift sand but instead hangs out on rockwork, coral, glass, and other hard surfaces. A lot of live rock of varying sizes is recommended for keeping these fish. Sometimes it is hard to find at your local fish store, so consider checking some out Live Rock on Amazon. I also recommend purchasing a well-fitted lid for your aquarium because Clown Gobies can jump out.

    Water Paramaters

    Most animals kept in captivity, do best when you mimic their natural habitat in their enclosure. The same stands for the Clown Goby. Providing them with proper water parameters will help them live a long and happy life. Their water parameters are similar to most saltwater fish, which are listed below.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is The Citrin Goby Reef Safe?

    For the most part, the Citrin Goby is reef safe. However, stony coral can be in danger of this fish when it is breeding. This goby species lay its eggs on the underside of branches of SPS coral. This can cause the tissue of the SPS coral to recede. Their favorite to do this with is Acropora, but many species of stony coral are not safe. They should be fine with soft coral and most invertebrates.

    Food & Diet

    This species of fish is carnivorous. Their diet should match what they consume in the wild. It is best to feed Citrin Gobies Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, and other types of protein-rich foods. My personal preference is thawed frozen fish food, but freeze-dried food can work as well. Also, I recommend providing Clown Gobies with high-quality flake food such as the New Life Spectrum All Purpose Flakes, and protein-rich pellet food like the New Life Spectrum Marine Formula, to provide a variety and cover more nutritional bases.

    Tank Mates

    The Citrin Goby will do well with most friendly saltwater fish species. I would recommend them with Dwarf Angels, Tangs, Foxfaces, Clownfish, Rabbitfish, Basslets, Blennies, Chromis, and much more. I would be weary of keeping them with large fish, and fish with large mouths, like Anglers, Groupers, Eels, and others. They can make lunch out of this fish very easily. Also, Citrin Gobies are often peaceful, but other fish may be territorial around rockwork. Be aware that they may get picked on when entering other fish’s territory.

    In appropriately sized aquariums (minimum 40 gallons), small groups of Clown Gobies can be kept together. If you’re keeping the same species, I would recommend 2 or 4 individuals so they can pair off. I do not recommend odd numbers because one of the groups will likely get bullied, stressed, and even killed. Keep in mind that if you keep more than one in your aquarium, there’s a chance that they will breed and wreak havoc on your SPS coral.

    Breeding

    If you have a breeding pair of Clown Gobies in your aquarium, they may spawn on their own without any human intervention. However, getting the eggs to successfully hatch and grow into adulthood will be the bigger challenge. Especially when many other opportunistic fish are waiting to eat the eggs. I do not personally have experience breeding this species, but here is a forum post on Marine Breeding Initiative that archives the process someone took to get eggs to hatch.

    Final Notes

    Citrinis Clown Gobies are unique-looking fish with an interesting personality. It’s incredibly fun watching them perch on rocks and corals waiting for food to come their way. Their leisurely and peaceful personalities make them excellent candidates for community saltwater fish tanks. However, be cautious because they may mess with your Acroporas and other SPS corals. If you’re not sold on the Citrinis Clown Goby, check out other species of saltwater fish for your aquarium.

  • Two Spot Goby – Complete Care Guide

    Two Spot Goby – Complete Care Guide

    The Two Spot Goby, sometimes called the Twin Spot Goby, Crabeye Goby, or Signal Goby, is a beautiful sand-sifting saltwater fish. It is predominately white, brown, and tan. It gets its name from the two vibrant yellow rings on its dorsal fin. The Twin Spot Goby is a fairly peaceful fish that keeps to itself, but it is more than happy to defend its territory.

    The Twin Spot Goby is considered a difficult fish to keep. This is primarily due to their finicky and niche diet and feeding requirements. Consider getting a different species of goby, like a watchman goby, if you’re looking for something easier to keep. This guide will cover Two Spot Goby’s aquarium requirements, food & diet needs, tank mates, and breeding.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Two Spot Goby grows to about 3″, so it will do well in a 10-gallon aquarium or larger. Due to their dietary needs, I would recommend a much larger fish tank. If you choose to keep them in this size fish tank, it is recommended to also have a well-established refugium, with a large population of microfauna. The micro fauna will likely be their main source of food, especially when first introduced. Twin Spot Gobies sift through sand in search of food, so will require a sand bed between 1″ – 2″ deep. I recommend fine sand, such as the CaribSea Fiji Pink Sand. It is fine, but not as fine as the CaribSea Bahama Oolite Sand which gets stirred up very easily.

    Live rock is also recommended for your goby fish tank. Gobies may occasionally hide in live rock when stressed or startled. It also provides a lot of surface area where beneficial bacteria will colonize. Live rock should be either touching the bottom of your glass or very close to it to guarantee the goby does not burrow under and create a rock slide. Unsecured rock is asking to be knocked over, which can hit the glass and break the fish tank.

    Lastly, a well-fitted lid is recommended because most types of gobies are known to jump. Somehow fish always manage to find the smallest opening to jump out of.

    Water Parameter

    Keeping water parameters in check is incredibly important. The following are the water parameter requirements for the Two Spot Goby. Most saltwater fish have similar water parameter needs but there are a few exceptions.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is the Two Spot Goby Reef Safe?

    Yes, the Two Spot Goby is reef safe. It should not pick on any of your coral because it is too busy sifting the sand for food. Keep in mind that any coral that is growing at the bottom of your aquarium or in the rock may have sand dropped on it due to the goby.

    Food & Diet

    The Twin Spot Goby will spend most of its time sifting through sand in search of microscopic organisms in the sand. As stated earlier, an established aquarium, a highly productive refugium, and a sand bed will help keep your fish fed and happy. Sometimes Two Spot Gobies are stubborn and refuse to eat prepared food, but with time and patience, they may decide to eat food provided to other fish.

    This fish species is carnivorous and will require a protein-rich diet. I recommend trying to feed the Two Spot Goby a variety of foods such as Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and pellet food rich in protein. The New Life Spectrum Marine Formula has 36% Crude Protein. It’s a good choice of pellet food to supplement with other protein-rich foods.

    Tricks for Feeding

    A stubborn Two Spot Goby that refuses to eat prepared food may become a headache but, there are ways to help keep it alive while you attempt to train it to eat prepared food. First, you will need a long feeder syringe, and any coral food (Polyp Lab Reef-Roids, Reef Chili, Coral Feast, etc.). Next, you will have to find where your Two Spot Goby has its burrow. Lastly, mix coral food with water, suck it into the syringe, and dispense it very close to and in the sand near the goby’s burrow. This will help keep your fish fed, while attempting to train it to consume other foods.

    I would also recommend turning off or cutting down on the flow of water during feeding. This will give the food a chance to settle which may help your goby eat.

    Tank Mates

    Most peaceful saltwater fish should do well with the Two Spot Goby. It should do great with fish such as Anthias, Dwarf Angels, Basslets, Chromis, Dottybacks, Wrasses, Foxfaces, Tangs, and many others. It doesn’t use the same space as most other fish. It spends most of its time at the bottom of the aquarium sifting through the sand. With that in mind, there may be territorial disputes between this goby and other gobies and/or jawfish. I would make sure the aquarium is appropriately sized if you plan on keeping more than one goby.

    Two Spot Goby and Pistol Shrimp

    The Two Spot Goby does not mix well with a Pistol Shrimp. I would recommend keeping a Pistol Shrimp with a Yellow Watchman Goby. They will readily pair and become excellent partners in an aquarium.

    Breeding

    If purchased small, a pair of Two Spot Gobies may become a breeding pair. However, I have personally never attempted to breed this fish but, it is possible to do so in captivity.

    Final Notes

    The Two Spot Goby is a gorgeous reef safe goby that could make an excellent addition to your saltwater fish tank. Keeping them may be a challenge, and is not recommended for a beginner, but with experience and patience may become a great choice. If you’re newer to saltwater fish, consider getting an easier to care for goby like a watchman.

    Image by Rickard Zerpe on wikiMedia

  • Splendid Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    Splendid Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    Splendid Dottyback Facts

    The Splendid Dottyback (Manonichthys splendens) sometimes called the Splendid Pseudochromis is a gorgeous saltwater fish with blue, yellow, and pink colorations throughout its body. There are many types of dottybacks and if you’re looking for a more peaceful one, take a look at the Orchid Dottyback. Otherwise, this article will discuss Splendid Dottyback aquarium requirements, food & diet, tank mates, and more.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Splendid Dottybacks grow to about 3″ in size, and will likely be more aggressive the smaller the aquarium is. With this knowledge, they should not be kept in anything smaller than 30 gallons, but bigger is always better. The aquarium should have live rock with different-sized crevices to provide cover and territory options for this fish and many others.

    I highly recommend providing a well fitted lid for your aquarium This will help prevent any possibility of a fish jumping out.

    Water Parameters

    Splendid Dottybacks have very similar water parameter requirements to most saltwater fish kept in this hobby. Keeping them within range and stable is important to keep your aquarium system and fish happy and healthy. The following are the water parameters needed by this fish species.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Is the Splendid Dottyback Reef Safe?

    The Splendid Dottyback is reef safe. The only thing they are a danger to is ornamental shrimp like the Sexy Shrimp or others that it can eat. This fish should not mess with other invertebrates or corals.

    Food & Diet

    This species of fish has a similar diet to other types of dottyback. They are carnivorous fish so do best being fed Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, Krill, and other meaty foods. I would also provide them with protein-rich pellet food as a supplemental addition to their diet. Splendid Dottybacks should readily take food because they generally are not picky eaters.

    Tank Mates

    Due to their semi-aggressive tendencies, Splendid Dottybacks should be introduced into the aquarium later. Doing so will hopefully allow other fish to establish themselves before adding one that may become aggressive/territorial. The problem with finding good tank mates for this fish is that they won’t hesitate to defend themselves against fish that are 3 or 4 times larger.

    They should do well with Clownfish, Damselfish, Cardinals, Dwarf Angels, Foxfaces, Gobies, and more. Just be aware that each fish has a different temperament. Some Splendid Dottybacks may be model citizens but also many fishkeepers claim this species can be very aggressive.

    I would avoid keeping this fish species with others that are similar in shape and color. They will likely be aggressive towards other Dottybacks, Blennies, and Basslets.

    Breeding

    You can purchase captive-bred Splendid Dottybacks but I do not have experience with breeding this fish. I feel it will be generally impossible in most aquarium settings because of their aggression.

    Final Notes

    Splendid Dottybacks could be a great addition to your saltwater fish tank. Their aggression may get them into trouble, but their colors make up for their temperament. If you have experience with the Splendid Dottyback, let me know. Also, learn more about saltwater fish by following the link.

    Image by Jenny (JennyHuang) on wikiMedia

  • Yellow Watchman Goby – Complete Care Guide

    Yellow Watchman Goby – Complete Care Guide

    Yellow Watchman Facts

    Yellow Watchman Gobies, also known as the Yellow Shrimp Goby, are relatively easy-to-keep and peaceful fish that are often kept in saltwater aquariums. Their vibrant yellow coloration and light speckles make them fascinating fish to keep in fish tanks. Yellow Watchman Gobies get to be about 4 inches (10.16 cm) in length when in adulthood, which is a nice medium-sized goby species. This article will go into the care required to keep a Watchman Goby.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Yellow Watchman Goby spends most of its time in the sand bed or inside of its burrow. You will rarely see it come up. I only really see them leave the sand bed when chasing food or chasing fish away from their territory. Because of this, a nice deep sand bed is incredibly important for this fish. I would push to have a sand bed at least 3 inches deep. Make sure your live rock is also touching the glass or sitting on a piece of egg crate. This is recommended so that when the Watchman Goby digs, the rock does not fall on it.

    This fish species is known to dart up and jump out of aquariums when startled. It is recommended to place a well-fitting lid on top of your aquarium. Somehow fish always manage to find the smallest holes to jump out of, so a good lid will help prevent that.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Do Watchman Gobies sift Sand?

    Watchman Gobies sift sand around their burrow. They do a great job of keeping the sand around their burrows clean through sifting. Areas out of their territory will likely not be touched.

    Is the Yellow Watchman Goby Reef Safe?

    The Yellow Watchman Goby is reef safe. It normally keeps to itself and should not bother coral, shrimp or crabs. However, coral laying in the sand may get shifted around or could be slightly buried by this fish.

    What Do Watchman Gobies Eat?

    Yellow Watchman Gobies are carnivorous by nature. In an aquarium, they are not incredibly picky eaters and will eat food such as Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and many other meaty foods. From experience, I have also seen them eat Pellet Food such as New Life Spectrum Marine Formula but they will gladly eat most that are offered. It is recommended to observe and make sure your goby eats food that is put into the fish tank. Because it is a bottom-dwelling fish, it is often outcompeted for food.

    It will also consume food while it is sifting through the sand. There are often really small copepods in the sand or algae growing which the Watchman Goby will consume.

    Tank Mates

    The Yellow Watchman Goby should do well with most other peaceful saltwater fish. They should do great with Clownfish, Wrasses, Dwarf Angels, Chromis, and many other species of fish. They will be fine with even larger fish like Tangs, Foxfaces, and Rabbitfish. Trouble may arise if you introduce other gobies or jawfish into the aquarium. The Watchman Goby will compete with these fish for territory which is stressful on both parties.

    I would recommend adding a Pistol Shrimp into your aquarium with your Watchman Goby. The Goby and Shrimp have a symbiotic relationship and it is incredibly to observe in an aquarium.

    Breeding

    It is possible to breed Watchman Gobies in an aquarium. However, I do not have any experience with it so cannot provide information on this topic. It is almost impossible to distinguish between males and females, but if you’re lucky, you may get a breeding pair!

    Final Notes

    Watchman Gobies are excellent additions to both fish-only and reef aquariums. They usually keep to themselves but are willing to defend their territory from invaders. If you are looking for a little burst of yellow, consider adding this goby to your aquarium. If not, check out more saltwater fish by following this link.

    Image by Haplochromis on wikiMedia

  • Orchid Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    Orchid Dottyback Facts

    Orchid Dottybacks (Pseudochromis fridmani) are beautiful vibrant purple/lavender fish kept in saltwater aquariums. Their long and slender bodies allow them to wiggle in and out of live rock which they treat as their home. The Orchid Dottyback is a fairly common fish found in the hobby and is a great addition to many saltwater fish tanks.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Orchid Dottybacks grow to a max size of 3 inches. This makes them great fish for aquariums that are 30 gallons or larger. This fish species do best in fish tanks with plenty of live rock. They will find a suitable cave in the rock to call home and will defend it. Like many other saltwater fish, the Orchid Dottyback can jump out so a tight-fitting lid is recommended to help prevent this.

    Water Parameters

    Keeping your water parameters in check and stable is incredibly important. This fish will require the following parameters:

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    I would consider picking up a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. API makes pretty accurate liquid test kits. A heater will be needed to reach the desired temperature. Check out my guide that shows off some great water heaters available for aquariums. Keep an eye on your salinity with a Refractometer from Amazon. Refractometers are much more accurate (if calibrated correctly) than hydrometers that lose accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial.

    Are Orchid Dottybacks Reef Safe?

    Yes, Orchid Dottybacks are reef safe. The only things that are in danger of this fish are small, ornamental shrimp like the Sexy Shrimp. They should not bother corals or other invertebrates like starfish, snails, or hermit crabs. They may also consume pest critters in the fish tank such as flatworms and bristleworms. This makes them beneficial for the reef if you’re being plagued by either type of worm.

    Food & Diet

    Orchid Dottybacks are carnivorous fish. As stated earlier, they should eat pests such as bristleworms and flatworms in the fish tank. The Orchid Dottyback should also be fed Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and pellet/flake food that is high in protein. Overall, they are not picky eaters and should readily take anything introduced to them.

    Orchid Dottyback Tank Mates

    Before we discuss potential tank mates for the Orchid Dottyback, it is important to know that they may show some aggression mainly because they are territorial fish. In a large enough aquarium with plenty of hiding places, this fish species should mostly keep to itself. However, I can never guarantee that because each fish has its own personality and temperament.

    If you introduce them into a large enough fish tank, and when they are incredibly small, you may be able to keep two Orchid Dottybacks together. They should pair up when they mature, creating a male/female pair and live in peace together. I would not recommend mixing Dottyback species due to others having more aggression. Once again, I can’t guarantee this will work but it is possible with this species under the proper conditions.

    Otherwise, Orchid Dottybacks should do well with gobies, clownfish, cardinalfish, dwarf angels, and other smaller fish that do not have a similar shape or utilize the same spaces as this fish species. I would stay away from other pseudochromis, damsels, firefish, and large predatory fish that will make a meal out of the Orchid Dottyback.

    Breeding

    Because Orchid Dottybacks can pair in a fish tank, they can breed. However, I do not have experience with successfully breeding this fish species. This fish is one of few saltwater fish that can breed in captivity.

    Final Notes

    Orchid Dottybacks are fantastic fish to keep if you love a vibrant flash of purple in your aquarium. They can be territorial which leads to aggression so keep in mind, that by Pseudochromis standards, they are fairly peaceful. If these do not catch your eye, check out other dottybacks by clicking this link.

    Image Credit: freeimageslive.co.uk

  • Purple Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    Purple Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    Purple Dottyback Facts

    The Purple Dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyreus) often called the Magenta Dottyback, or Purple Pseudochromis is a beautiful purple/magenta fish that can be kept in a saltwater aquarium. This vibrant fish will often be seen floating very close to its home. It will spend a lot of time making sure its territory is secure. Although it stays relatively small, the Purple Pseudochromis will fight tooth and nail for its territory. This article will discuss aggression levels, aquarium requirements, diet, and tank mates of the Purple Dottyback.

    Is the Purple Dottyback aggressive?

    Purple Dottybacks are considered semi-aggressive. They usually keep to themselves until they have to protect their territory. I would consider introducing this fish species a little later so your more peaceful fish can establish their territories first. Although it’s not guaranteed, doing this should help alleviate some aggression.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Purple Dottyback will grow to be about 3 inches in length. They will do best in saltwater fish tanks that are 30 gallons or larger. The aquarium should also be full of live rock with different-sized caves and crevices to provide cover for this fish.

    Like many saltwater fish, the Magenta Dottyback could jump out of the fish tank. It is important to provide a well-fitted lid to help alleviate the potential of your fish jumping out.

    Water Parameters

    Keeping water parameters in check is important for fish, crustaceans, coral, etc. The following are the water parameters needed to keep your Purple Dottyback comfortable in the aquarium.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    One of the easiest ways to achieve proper dKH and pH levels is through water changes. Conducting water changes with a good salt mix will help provide proper and stable water parameters for your aquarium’s inhabitants.

    The salt mix that works best for you will depend on what you keep in your aquarium. I usually use the Red Sea Coral Pro Salt. You can follow the link to pick it up from Amazon but it’s usually cheaper at Bulk Reef Supply.

    Is The Purple Dottyback Reef Safe?

    The Purple Dottyback is reef safe. It is not a danger to any coral. However, small shrimp such as Sexy Shrimp may be not safe with this fish. Other small shrimp may become a snack for the Purple Dottyback.

    Food & Diet

    This species of fish require a very meaty diet because they are carnivorous. You should provide them with a protein-heavy diet of Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and krill when they are fully grown. The Purple Dottyback will also benefit from given protein-rich pellet food, and flake food. You may also see this fish consume copepods that live in and around live rock.

    Tank Mates

    The Purple Pseudochromis should do well with most other fish that won’t readily try to eat it. This species of fish should do well with Clownfish, Damsels, Wrasses, Dwarf Angels, Chromis, and even larger fish such as tangs, foxfaces, and rabbitfish.

    If possible I would avoid keeping them with large and predatory fish such as Groupers, Lionfish, Eels, and pretty much anything that may mistake the Purple Dottyback for food. Lastly, aggression levels will likely increase if more than one dottyback is kept in a fish tank. I would avoid keeping this fish with other dottybacks such as the Purple Striped Dottyback, Splendid Dottyback, and many others.

    Breeding

    Because of their territorial and semi-aggressive temperament, breeding Purple Dottybacks in an aquarium setting will be impossible.

    Final Notes

    The Purple Dottyback is a great fish to keep in a saltwater fish tank or reef tank. As stated above, they are perfectly safe with coral, and many fish will understand to avoid their territory once they are settled in. In an appropriately sized aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and rockwork, the Purple Pseudochromis should thrive! If you’re curious about other dottyback species, check out the Dottyback information page by following the link.

    Image by Rickard Zerpe on wikiMedia

  • Purple Striped Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    Purple Striped Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

    Purple Striped Dottyback Facts

    The Purple Striped Dottyback (Pseudochromis diadema), also known as the Diadem Pseudochromis, or Diadem Dottyback, is a beautiful saltwater fish primarily yellow in color with a horizontal purple stripe running across its body. It is a fairly hardy fish that is quite easy to care for. Beware because the Purple Striped Dottyback can be a territorial fish and can be aggressive toward other tank mates. It is a gorgeous and vibrant fish that would be a good addition to many saltwater aquariums.

    You can find the Purple Striped Dottyback for sale at many brick-and-mortar stores and online on Liveaquaria. This guide will cover aquarium requirements, food & diet, tank mates, and breeding habits of the Purple Striped Dottyback.

    Aquarium Requirements

    Purple Striped Dottybacks will grow to a max size of about 3″. Due to their adult size, I would recommend keeping them in fish tanks that are 30 gallons or larger. Keep in mind that they can dominate smaller fish tanks because of their temperament. Your fish tank should be decorated with live rock with varying-sized caves for your dottyback to explore and create its territory. If you cannot find live rock at your local fish store, consider picking some up from Amazon.

    I would also consider adding a well-fitted lid to your aquarium because dottybacks and other fish may decide to jump out.

    • Water Temperature: 72°-78° F
    • dKH: 8 – 12
    • pH: 8.1 – 8.4
    • Salinity: 1.020 – 1.025 sg

    Consider getting a High Range pH and KH test kit to test for pH & dKH. Keeping your temperature between 72° and 78° can be accomplished with a heater. Take a look at my guide which showcases some great aquarium heaters. Lastly, I would pick up a Refractometer from Amazon to keep an eye on your salinity levels. If calibrated correctly, refractometers are much more accurate compared to a hydrometer which loses accuracy due to salt buildup on the dial. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tanks to get an idea of other salinity testing devices available.

    Is The Purple Striped Dottyback Reef Safe?

    The Purple Striped is reef safe and can be kept with coral and invertebrates. The only invertebrates that will be in danger are copepods and small ornamental shrimp (sexy shrimp), and other very small crustaceans. They may live amongst coral but they should not eat any.

    Food & Diet

    This species of fish is carnivorous. They should not be picky eaters and will consume Pellets, Flakes, Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and other meaty foods. They may be given Krill as well once they are fully grown.

    Tank Mates

    Because of their potentially aggressive nature, I would recommend adding Purple Striped Dottybacks later. It is good to allow other fish to establish a territory before adding this fish. They should do well with fish such as Clownfish, Dwarf Angelfish, Wrasses, Damsels, Hawkfish, Gobies, and other fish that get a little larger than the Purple Striped Dottyback. I do not recommend adding other Pseudochromis with this fish because you will likely see constant fighting between the two.

    Breeding

    Because of their aggressive and territorial nature, breeding this fish species is practically impossible.

    Final Notes

    The Purple Striped Dottyback is a vibrant fish. Although it doesn’t have the best personality, it is a great starter fish and provides unique behavior for hours of enjoyment. Overall, they are great fish, especially if you understand their temperament. If you have any comments or information on this fish, please let me know! Also, if you’re interested in other dottyback species, check out the dottyback information page by following the link.

    Image by Bernard DUPONT on wikiMedia

  • Blue Spot Jawfish – Complete Care Guide

    Blue Spot Jawfish – Complete Care Guide

    Blue Spot Jawfish Information

    The Blue Spot Jawfish is an incredibly gorgeous fish with a yellow/orange/black body with vibrant blue spots seen throughout. This amazing fish spends most of its time digging burrows and perfecting its home. Growing to be about 3.5 inches in lengh, the Blue Spot Jawfish requires a deep sand bed to keep it comfortable. Also, having a lot of sifting space will help keep this fish satisfied. It can be aggressive towards other jawfish but it normally does not bother other inhabitants in the aquarium. It is a little tougher to keep because it known to jump out of the aquarium and making sure it is being fed isn’t always easy. Many fish keepers are weary about keeping this fish because of the difficulty in keeping it alive.

    Aquarium Requirements

    The Blue Spot Jawfish doesn’t fare well in anything smaller than a 30 gallon fish tank because of its length when fully grown. It will require a deep sand bed of at least 3 inches but more is preferred. A tightly sealed lid is a must because this species of fish will jump out of your aquarium. The water parameter requirements for the Blue Spot Jawfish are similar to many other marine fish:

    • Water Temperature 72 – 78 degrees Fahrenheit
    • pH 8.0 – 8.4
    • KH 8 – 12
    • Salinity 1.020 and 1.025 sg.

    These water parameters will help keep your fish happy and healthy. The most important thing with water parameters is stability. Swinging water parameters can be detrimental to a fish.

    Food & Diet

    The Blue Spot Jawfish is a carnivorous fish and its diet should reflect that. Blue Spot Jawfish eat mysis shrimp, brine shrimp and pellet food. We encourage to feed the fish multiple times a day. Blue Spot Jawfish will also sift through sand and consume copeopods that are within the sand.

    Image by Rhododendrites on wikiMedia

    After introducing a jawfish into the aquarium, I normally siphon food into a coral feeder. Then, place the feeder close to the Blue Spot’s burrow and release food. This guarantees a successful feeding and makes sure the Blue Spot Jawfish is not getting outcompeted for food. After doing this for a week or so and seeing the jawfish successfully eat, I normally stop feeding it with a coral feeder and let it collect food on its own. I normally use mysis shrimp and/or pellet food when feeding.

    Tank Mates

    The Blue Spot Jawfish is a pretty stand up citizen in the aquarium. This fish is completely reef safe and it will also not normally bother other fish in the aquarium and will do great with fish such as:

    • Clownfish
    • Dottybacks
    • Dwarf Angelfish
    • Wrasses
    • Anthias

    But it fares well with many other fish. The problems arise when more jawfish or gobies are introduced into the aquarium. This species of jawfish does not like having other jawfish or gobies in its domain. In incredibly large fish tanks they should be able to figure out territories. Regardless, keeping two or more jawfish or a jawfish with a goby is not recommended. The only exception is a mated pair of Blue Spots.

    Breeding

    Keeping this fish happy and alive is challenging but breeding is even more challenging. There isn’t much information floating around about how to breed this fish but the most challenging part is definitely finding a mated pair.

    Final Notes

    Although this fish is probably one of the most beautiful ones on the market, the challenge of keeping it alive sometimes outweighs the desire of keeping it in the home aquarium. Take all the pre-cautions before adding this fish into the aquarium. The color patterns and personality are phenomenal and it’s an excellent addition to any saltwater fish tank.

    Featured image by Rhododendrites on wikiMedia

  • The Fish With Personality – Bicolor Blenny

    The Fish With Personality – Bicolor Blenny

    Reef aquariums are all very unique. The fish kept in these aquariums all have very interesting personalities and are a blast to observe. Their vibrant colors pop and are adored by many. Bicolor blennies are fantastic fish to keep in a reef aquarium. What they may lack in “vibrant” color they make up for in personality. These fish are common in the marine hobby and are sometimes overlooked as a new aquatic companion. Their very simple dark blue and orange coloring gives them an interesting appearance. One fantastic trait that they have is they will poke their heads out of rocks or perch on rocks just scoping out the surrounding area.

    Bicolor Blenny Keeping Requirements

    Luckily for us, these fish are not very hard to keep. I would not keep a bicolor blenny in an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons. Also, having a lot of live rock and crevices where this fish can hide and perch is a must! Their perching and environment scanning is a large portion of their personality! They max out at about 4″ in length so having holes and crevices of varying sizes is beneficial for them.

    Bicolor blennies are primarily herbivorous so should be fed greens such as algae pellets, flakes, and algae sheets. They should also be given frozen fish food like mysis shrimp and/or brine shrimp from time to time. They are not picky eaters so they will easily accept a variety of foods. Although this is not very common, if underfed, these fish can sometimes pick on corals such as fleshy clams and stony corals. Be mindful of that when keeping this fish. They will help assist in controlling hair algae that may grow on live rock.

    These fantastic fish are normally quite peaceful and keep to themselves. At the time of this writing, the one I have at home does not think my hand is friendly so will nip and attack from time to time, otherwise, it does not bother anything else. On occasion, they may go into battle with other blennies and gobies. If the aquarium is large enough each fish will find its territory and things should settle. I would not normally keep more than one type of blenny of similar size, shape, and color to help deter any aggression.

    Final Thoughts

    Bicolor blennies are excellent fish for any reef system. As long as they are fed well, they will do remarkably in your aquarium. They’re not the best algae eaters, for that look into getting a lawnmower blenny, but they will help cut down what’s in the fish tank already. They are hardy fish with great personalities!