Common name: Redlight Eviota

Scientific name: Eviota lachdeberei Giltay, 1933

General information

Eviota lachdeberei, commonly known as Lachdebere's Pygmy Goby, is a diminutive and colorful species of goby that is a recent addition to the marine aquarium trade. This species is appreciated for its vibrant coloration and small size, making it a suitable inhabitant for nano and pico reef aquariums. The Lachdebere's Pygmy Goby is known for its peaceful demeanor and can be a charming addition to a community tank with other non-aggressive species.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
40 liter (11 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
3 cm (1¼″)
Care level
Easy Thrives in stable conditions
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys small live or frozen foods
Social
Harem Best kept in groups, with more females
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
    Dwarf Gobies
    Eviota
  7. Species
    Redlight Eviota
    Eviota lachdeberei Giltay, 1933
  8. Synonyms
    Eviota lachbrederi Giltay, 1933

Care

Lachdebere's Pygmy Goby requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. Due to their small size, they are best kept in smaller aquariums where they are less likely to be outcompeted for food by larger tank mates. A varied diet of small meaty foods such as copepods, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their well-being. Care should be taken to maintain stable water parameters, as small gobies can be sensitive to fluctuations.

Reproduction

Like many gobies, Eviota lachdeberei is known to spawn in captivity. They lay small clutches of eggs that are typically attached to the substrate or aquarium decor. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. Breeding these gobies in captivity can be a rewarding experience for the dedicated hobbyist.

Habitat

Eviota lachdeberei is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble slopes, often at depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters. In the wild, they are usually observed living among the branches of stony corals or hiding in crevices.