Common name: glass goby

Scientific name: Coryphopterus hyalinus Böhlke & Robins, 1962
Transparent body glass gobyA pair of Gobies look out from an old, discarded glass bottle on

General information

The Glass Goby, Coryphopterus hyalinus, is a small and delicate fish species that is appreciated by aquarists for its transparent body and peaceful demeanor. This species is often found hovering in small groups in the wild and can add a unique dynamic to a peaceful community aquarium.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 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
5 cm (2″)
Care level
Easy
Diet
Carnivore
Social
Harem
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
    glass goby
    Coryphopterus hyalinus Böhlke & Robins, 1962

Care

Glass Gobies are relatively easy to care for but do require a stable and mature aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. They are not aggressive and can be kept with other peaceful tank mates. A varied diet of small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Coryphopterus hyalinus may spawn if kept in a group with multiple individuals. The males guard the eggs until they hatch, after which the larvae are pelagic and can be challenging to rear in captivity due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.

Habitat

Glass Gobies are found in the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky substrates, often taking refuge in caves and crevices. They are typically found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 60 feet.