Catalina Nano Goby

The Catalina Goby is considered one of the most beautiful gobies. It has a bright red body with a vivid blue mask and vertical stripes on the front half of its body, and the tail has a yellow tint. This species is very peaceful and will not harm other fish, corals, or invertebrates. The Catalina Goby can be housed in Nano aquariums at least 50 L in size. The Catalina Goby may demonstrate aggression towards others of its own species if crowded, but groups may be housed together in large aquariums. The Catalina Goby is not typically shy and can often be seen perching on the live rock within its territory.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Catalina Goby is its reproductive behavior. Though each Catalina Goby has the reproductive tissues of both genders, an individual can only display one behavioral gender at any given time. If a Catalina Goby finds itself unsuccessful as one gender, it can switch to the other. Behavioral males are normally larger and have a longer dorsal fin with black tips on the longest dorsal fin rays. When ready to breed, a behavioral male chooses a cave in which to care for his brood. He lures the female inside, where she will attach her eggs to the walls of the cave. He will care for the eggs there until they hatch.

The Catalina Goby is native to the cold waters off the Eastern Pacific coast of the United States. This temperate species thrives in water temperatures between 16°C and 22°C. The Catalina Goby may be tolerant of warmer, tropical temperatures in most reef aquariums but only for a short time. If exposed to tropical temperatures for too long, the Catalina Goby can experience decreased resistance to disease and a shorter lifespan.

The Catalina Goby is hardy and easy to feed in captivity. It will accept almost any small, meaty prepared or frozen food. The diet can include frozen mysis shrimp, copepods, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. Once accustomed to the aquarium, the Catalina Goby will also accept sinking pellets or flake foods.