Common name: Decorated goby

General information

The Decorated Goby, Istigobius decoratus, is a small, attractive fish that is a favorite among reef aquarium enthusiasts. Its body is elongated with a pattern of brown and white spots and dashes, which provides excellent camouflage against the sandy bottoms and coral rubble it inhabits in the wild. This species is known for its peaceful demeanor and its interesting behavior of sifting through the substrate.

Care

Decorated Gobies are relatively easy to care for but do require a tank with a sandy bottom which they use for both feeding and hiding. They are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish and invertebrates. They thrive on a diet of small live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, breeding Decorated Gobies can be a rewarding experience. They are cave spawners, laying their eggs in a secure location where the male will guard and fan them until they hatch. Successful breeding requires excellent water quality and a well-established aquarium.

Habitat

Istigobius decoratus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Western Pacific. They prefer shallow, protected coastal reefs and lagoons, often seen at depths where sunlight can still reach the sandy bottom they inhabit.