Common name: sand goby

General information

The Bridled Goby, scientifically known as Coryphopterus glaucofraenum, is a small and peaceful fish that is well-suited for reef aquariums. It is characterized by its tan to pale body with a distinctive blue line running from the eye to the first dorsal fin, and another blue line from the base of the tail to the midsection of the body. This species is often appreciated for its ability to coexist with a wide variety of tank mates.

Care

Bridled Gobies are relatively easy to care for, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock and sand substrates, which provide hiding places and foraging opportunities. They are carnivorous, feeding on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild, so a diet of small meaty foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp is ideal in captivity.

Reproduction

In the wild, Coryphopterus glaucofraenum forms monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They are known to lay their eggs in a sheltered location, often on the ceiling of a cave or underside of a ledge. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding is possible but not common, and requires a mature, stable environment with excellent water quality.

Habitat

The Bridled Goby is found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit coral reefs and grassy flats, often seen hovering or perched on rocks and rubble in depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.