Common name: nakedheaded gudgeon

General information

The Zonura Goby (Eviota zonura) is a small and colorful member of the Gobiidae family, known for its distinctive zonation pattern of alternating dark and light stripes. This species is a micro-predator, feeding on tiny invertebrates in the wild, which makes it an interesting addition to a nano or pico reef aquarium where its behavior can be observed up close.

Care

Eviota zonura is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity, provided that the aquarium is stable and well-established. They thrive in tanks with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting microfauna. 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 health.

Reproduction

Like many gobies, Eviota zonura may form monogamous pairs and spawn regularly in an aquarium setting. The males are known to guard the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be a rewarding challenge for advanced hobbyists interested in larval fish rearing.

Habitat

Eviota zonura is found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Philippines, and north to Japan. They inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, typically at depths of 3 to 25 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with a variety of live rock formations and coral will provide them with a sense of security and encourage natural behaviors.