Common name: pallid goby

Scientific name: Coryphopterus eidolon Böhlke & Robins, 1960
Pallid goby sits on sandy coral reefPallid Goby Coryphopterus eidolon

General information

The Glass Goby, Coryphopterus eidolon, is a small and delicate fish species that is appreciated for its transparent body and peaceful demeanor. This goby is not as commonly found in the aquarium trade as some other gobies, but it can be a fascinating addition to a peaceful community tank. Its transparency is an adaptation for camouflage in its natural habitat, making it less visible to predators.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 7.8 to 8.4
Average size
5 cm (2″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers complex habitats
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys small crustaceans
Social
Harem Males may be territorial
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Goby
    Gobiidae
  6. Genus
    Gobies
    Coryphopterus
  7. Species
    pallid goby
    Coryphopterus eidolon Böhlke & Robins, 1960

Care

Glass Gobies are suitable for small to medium-sized aquariums with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate. They are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish. These gobies are not demanding when it comes to diet and will accept a variety of foods including small frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis, as well as high-quality flake and pellet foods. It is important to ensure that they are not outcompeted for food by more aggressive feeders.

Reproduction

In the wild, Glass Gobies are known to spawn in small crevices or under overhangs in the reef. In the aquarium, breeding is not commonly reported, but providing a stress-free environment with plenty of hiding places can encourage natural behaviors.

Habitat

Coryphopterus eidolon is found in the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico to northern South America. They inhabit shallow reefs and seagrass beds, often seen hovering above the bottom where they blend in with their surroundings due to their transparent bodies.