Common name: Half-barred goby

General information

The Half-banded Goby, scientifically known as Amblygobius semicinctus, is a small and attractive fish that can add both color and personality to a reef aquarium. Its body is elongated with a pattern of alternating white and brown bands, which provides excellent camouflage among the substrate and rocks of its natural habitat.

This species is not as commonly found in the aquarium trade as some other gobies, but it is appreciated by hobbyists for its peaceful demeanor and interesting behavior. It is a sand sifter, which means it plays a beneficial role in the aquarium by sifting through the sand bed and helping to keep it clean from detritus and uneaten food.

Care

The Half-banded Goby is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity, provided its basic needs are met. It requires an aquarium with a sandy bottom where it can exhibit its natural sifting behavior. Live rock formations for hiding and a stable environment with high water quality are also essential.

Their diet should consist of a variety of foods, including frozen and live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped marine meats. They may also accept high-quality flake and pellet foods formulated for marine fish.

Reproduction

In the wild, Amblygobius semicinctus is known to spawn in burrows or crevices, where the male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding this species can be challenging, and successful captive breeding is not commonly reported among hobbyists.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Half-banded Goby includes shallow lagoons and reef flats in the Indo-Pacific region. They are often found in areas with sandy substrates and coral rubble where they can sift through the sand for food and hide from predators.

Their geographical distribution ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific, including the waters around the Philippines, Indonesia, and northern Australia.