Common name: Comet pygmy goby

Scientific name: Eviota cometa Jewett & Lachner, 1983

General information

The Comet Dwarfgoby, Eviota cometa, is a small and colorful species of goby that is popular among nano-reef enthusiasts. This species is known for its striking coloration, typically featuring a bright red body with blue to white spots that resemble a starry night sky, which is the inspiration for its common name.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
40 liter (11 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
2.5 cm (1″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers complex rockwork
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys small live or frozen foods
Social
Harem Best kept in groups with more females
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
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Goby
    Gobiidae
  6. Genus
    Dwarf Gobies
    Eviota
  7. Species
    Comet pygmy goby
    Eviota cometa Jewett & Lachner, 1983

Care

Comet Dwarfgobies are suitable for small, mature reef aquariums where they can thrive among live rock and coral. They are peaceful fish that do well in groups, provided the tank is large enough to accommodate multiple territories. These gobies are not demanding when it comes to diet and will accept a variety of small, meaty foods.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Eviota cometa may display breeding behavior. They are egg-layers, with the female depositing eggs in a secure location, often within the live rock or coral crevices. The male then guards the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Comet Dwarfgobies are found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble slopes, typically at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their small size and cryptic nature make them well-suited to life among the crevices of the reef.