Common Goby - Bathygobius fuscus

Common Goby (Bathygobius fuscus)

• Species: Bathygobius fuscus
• Common Names: Common Goby, Fuscus Goby, Blackspot Goby
• Origin: Indo-Pacific, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia
• Light Requirements: Low to Moderate
• Diet: Carnivorous, primarily feeds on small invertebrates, plankton, and algae
• Maximum Size: Up to 3.5 inches (9 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy

Aquarium Setup:

The Common Goby is a small, peaceful species that does well in reef tanks or fish-only setups. It is typically found in rocky crevices or sandbeds in the wild and appreciates a tank with plenty of hiding spaces, such as live rock and sand. These gobies are hardy and can adapt to a range of aquarium environments as long as their basic needs are met. They do best in a well-established tank with stable water conditions and should be housed with peaceful tankmates. They are also known to interact with certain species of shrimp, forming symbiotic relationships.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
• pH: 7.8-8.4
• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 SG
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Calcium: 380-450 ppm
• Magnesium: 1250-1350 ppm

Growth and Maintenance:

The Common Goby grows relatively slowly and typically reaches a size of 3.5 inches, making it suitable for smaller aquariums. They are low-maintenance fish, requiring regular water changes to ensure a healthy environment. They thrive in stable water conditions with a focus on clean water and good filtration. Gobies are scavengers and will forage on detritus, algae, and small invertebrates, but they should be supplemented with high-quality frozen or live foods.

Care Tips:

✔ Placement: Provide plenty of hiding places such as caves, live rock, or sandbeds. Gobies are known to feel more secure when they have access to sheltered areas.
✔ Water Stability: Keep water parameters stable to avoid stress. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are important to maintain good water quality.
✔ Feeding: Although omnivorous, the Common Goby thrives on a varied diet that includes high-quality frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They will also graze on algae and detritus.
✔ Avoid Pests: Keep the tank free of parasites and ensure that gobies are quarantined before introducing them to an established tank.
✔ Tank Mates: Common Gobies are peaceful and can be kept with most other peaceful species. They do well with smaller, non-aggressive fish and are compatible with invertebrates, including shrimp, provided the tank is well-maintained.

Compatibility:

The Common Goby is compatible with a wide range of peaceful fish, invertebrates, and reef-safe species. It is best to avoid housing them with overly territorial or aggressive species that might stress them. While small, they are generally non-aggressive and can coexist with other gobies, especially if space is provided for everyone to have their own territory. Gobies are also known to form interesting relationships with certain species of shrimp, where the shrimp provide protection and the goby acts as a watchman.

Availability:

The Common Goby is widely available in the aquarium trade. They are typically captive-bred, making them an environmentally friendly option for aquarists. Availability may vary based on the region and the time of year, so it is always a good idea to check with local or online reef suppliers for current stock.

Disclaimer:

Due to variations within species and individual fish, your item may not look identical to the image provided.