Common name: Hector's goby

General information

Hector's Goby, scientifically known as Koumansetta hectori, is a small and peaceful fish that is well-suited for reef aquariums. This species is known for its distinctive greenish-yellow body with bright blue horizontal stripes, which makes it a visually appealing addition to any tank. Despite its beauty, it is often overlooked in favor of more flamboyant species, but it can be a gem in a well-established aquarium.

Care

Hector's Goby is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity, provided that its basic needs are met. It requires an aquarium with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to thrive. The live rock offers numerous hiding places and a surface for the growth of microalgae, which is a significant part of the goby's diet. They are known to be algae grazers and may help control algae growth in the tank. However, they should also be offered a varied diet that includes marine-based flake food, frozen mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp to ensure proper nutrition.

Reproduction

In the wild, Hector's Gobies are known to spawn in small, monogamous pairs. The male prepares a nesting site, usually under a rock or coral ledge, where the female will lay her eggs. The male then guards and tends to the eggs until they hatch. While breeding them in captivity is possible, it is not commonly done due to their specific spawning requirements and the difficulty in raising the larvae.

Habitat

Koumansetta hectori is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where it is commonly found in shallow lagoons and coral-rich areas of the reef. They prefer environments with calm waters and are often seen hovering near the bottom, close to their preferred algae-covered substrates. Their natural distribution ranges from the Great Barrier Reef to the islands of Micronesia.