Common name: Spotted pygmy goby

General information

The Jeweled Eviota, Eviota guttata, is a small and colorful member of the Gobiidae family, known for its vibrant spots and active demeanor. This species is a popular choice for nano and pico reef aquariums due to its diminutive size and peaceful nature.

Care

Eviota gobies thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting microfauna. They are best kept in small groups or pairs in tanks that can provide a stable environment. Due to their small size, they are not recommended for tanks with large or aggressive fish. A varied diet of small live and frozen foods, such as copepods and brine shrimp, will keep them healthy and colorful.

Reproduction

Jeweled Eviota gobies are known to spawn readily in captivity if provided with the right conditions. They lay small clutches of eggs in crevices or under overhangs in the live rock. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. Raising the larvae can be challenging due to their minute size and specific dietary requirements.

Habitat

In the wild, Eviota guttata is found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble slopes, usually at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their preference for complex reef structures with plenty of hiding spots should be replicated in the home aquarium.