Common name: Pygmy coral croucher

Scientific name: Caracanthus unipinna (Gray, 1831)

General information

The Orangestriped Pygmy Goby, scientifically known as Caracanthus unipinna, is a small and fascinating marine fish species belonging to the family Caracanthidae. This diminutive goby is known for its vibrant orange stripes that run along its body, contrasting beautifully against its pale base coloration. Due to its small size, typically reaching only up to 2.5 centimeters in length, it is a perfect inhabitant for nano and pico reef aquariums.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
40 liter (11 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
6 cm (2½″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Diet
Carnivore
Social
Solo
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Scorpionfishes
    Scorpaeniformes
  5. Family
    Scorpionfishes
    Scorpaenidae
  6. Genus
    Coral Crouchers
    Caracanthus Krøyer, 1845
  7. Species
    Pygmy coral croucher
    Caracanthus unipinna (Gray, 1831)
  8. Synonyms
    Caracanthus unipinnis (Gray, 1831)
    Centropus staurophorus Kner, 1860
    Micropus longipinnis Jatzow & Lenz, 1898
    Micropus unipinna Gray, 1831

Care

Caring for the Orangestriped Pygmy Goby requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting microfauna. They are peaceful fish and should be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. Due to their tiny size, they are at risk of being outcompeted for food, so it's important to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. They thrive on a diet of small live foods such as copepods and brine shrimp nauplii.

Reproduction

In the wild, Caracanthus unipinna is known to lay eggs in small crevices or under overhangs on the reef. In captivity, breeding is possible but challenging due to their small size and specific requirements for spawning. Hobbyists interested in breeding should provide a stress-free environment with optimal water quality.

Habitat

The Orangestriped Pygmy Goby is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs and rubble slopes. They prefer shallow waters where they can easily access microfauna for feeding. Their natural habitat includes areas with abundant live rock and coral rubble that offer numerous hiding spots.