Common name: Partimacula Pygmy Goby

General information

The Partimacula Pygmy Goby, scientifically known as Eviota partimacula, is a small and colorful fish that is a member of the diverse goby family. This species is known for its distinctive coloration, typically featuring a translucent body with a series of red to orange spots and a prominent dark spot on the front part of the dorsal fin. Due to their diminutive size, they are a perfect choice for nano-reef aquariums.

Care

Eviota partimacula requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock and hiding places to feel secure. They are peaceful fish that do well in small groups or pairs. Their small size makes them vulnerable to predation, so tank mates should be chosen carefully to avoid aggressive or much larger fish. They thrive on a varied diet of small, meaty foods such as copepods, brine shrimp, and other microfauna.

Reproduction

Like many gobies, Eviota partimacula are known to be cave spawners, laying their eggs in secure locations within the live rock. The males are typically responsible for guarding the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their small size and the difficulty in raising the tiny larvae.

Habitat

Eviota partimacula is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Indonesia. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble slopes, often seen hovering near branching corals or within the reef structure at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 40 meters.