Common name: Common fusegoby

Scientific name: Fusigobius neophytus (Günther, 1877)

General information

The Yellow Clown Goby, Fusigobius neophytus, is a small, peaceful fish that is a favorite among reef aquarium enthusiasts. Its vibrant yellow coloration and personable nature make it a delightful addition to any tank. This species is known for its curious behavior, often perching on coral branches to survey its surroundings.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
9 cm (3½″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers sandy substrates
Diet
Omnivore Enjoys varied diet, mysis shrimp
Social
Pair Pairs are often monogamous
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No
Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

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
    Whipfin Gobies
    Fusigobius
  7. Species
    Common fusegoby
    Fusigobius neophytus (Günther, 1877)
  8. Synonyms
    Coryphopterus neophytus (Günther, 1877)
    Eviota woolacottae Whitley, 1958
    Fusigobius africanus Smith, 1959
    Fusigobius neophytus africanis Smith, 1959
    Fusigobius neophytus africanus Smith, 1959
    Gobius neophytus Günther, 1877
    Thalassogobius corallinus Herre, 1953

Care

Yellow Clown Gobies are hardy and can adapt to a variety of tank conditions, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They require an aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing on microfauna. These gobies are not aggressive eaters, so care should be taken to ensure they receive adequate food, such as small meaty foods and marine flake food.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Yellow Clown Gobies may spawn if they are kept in a peaceful environment with a suitable mate. They lay their eggs on the underside of coral ledges or in crevices, where the male will guard and tend to them until they hatch.

Habitat

Fusigobius neophytus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They typically inhabit coral-rich areas of lagoons and outer reefs, usually at depths of 1 to 30 meters.