Common name: Orange-spotted goby
General information
The Twospot Goby, scientifically known as Asterropteryx bipunctata, is a small and attractive fish that can be a delightful addition to any reef or fish-only aquarium. This species is known for its peaceful demeanor and its distinctive coloration, featuring a pale body with two dark spots, one on the first dorsal fin and the other near the caudal peduncle.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 40 liter (11 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 6 cm (2½″)
- Care level
- Easy
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Social
- Pair
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusGobyAsterropteryx
- SpeciesOrange-spotted gobyAsterropteryx bipunctata Allen & Munday, 1995
Care
Twospot Gobies are relatively easy to care for, but they do require a tank with a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat where they sift through sand for food. They are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish and invertebrates. A diet of small, meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, Asterropteryx bipunctata may breed if a pair is established. The male typically guards the eggs, which are deposited in a sheltered location such as a crevice or under a rock.
Habitat
Twospot Gobies are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, and from the Ryukyu Islands to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. They inhabit shallow, coral-rich areas and lagoons, often seen hovering above the substrate or resting on corals.