Common name: Speckled pygmy goby

General information

The Secretive Dwarfgoby, scientifically known as Eviota sparsa, is a small and colorful member of the goby family. This species is known for its diminutive size and vibrant coloration, which can add a pop of color and activity to a reef aquarium. Despite their small stature, these gobies are full of personality and can be quite bold in their behavior.

Care

Eviota sparsa is a hardy species that can thrive in a well-established aquarium with stable water conditions. They prefer a tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. Due to their small size, they are best kept in nano or pico tanks 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 ideal for their nutritional needs.

Reproduction

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

Habitat

Secretive Dwarfgobies are 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. In the wild, they are often observed hovering near the bottom, darting in and out of the reef structure.