Common name: Goldman's goby

General information

The Goldman's Jawfish, Istigobius goldmanni, is a small, burrowing fish known for its distinctive blue spots and endearing behavior. It is a member of the family Gobiidae, which includes many species popular in the reef aquarium hobby. This species is not as commonly kept as some other jawfish, but it can be a fascinating addition to a peaceful community tank.

Care

Goldman's Jawfish requires a tank with a sandy substrate that allows it to exhibit its natural burrowing behavior. The aquarium should also have ample rockwork to provide additional hiding places and to support the structure of the burrows. These fish are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind, so it's best to keep only one per tank unless the aquarium is large enough to support multiple territories.

They are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, including frozen and live meaty foods, as well as some plant-based foods. Care should be taken to ensure that food reaches the bottom of the tank where the jawfish can access it.

Reproduction

In the wild, Goldman's Jawfish are known to be mouthbrooders, with males incubating the eggs in their mouths until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging, and success is more likely in a species-specific tank where the subtle courtship and breeding behaviors can be observed and supported.

Habitat

Istigobius goldmanni is found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit sandy areas near reefs, where they dig and maintain burrows. These burrows are often located in depths ranging from the shallows down to about 30 meters.