Common name: Rainford's goby
General information
Rainford's Goby, scientifically known as Koumansetta rainfordi, is a small and colorful marine fish that is popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. This species is known for its vibrant green body with orange to red stripes, which can add a splash of color to any aquarium. They are relatively peaceful and can be a good addition to a community tank.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 9 cm (3½″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs live sand for burrowing
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods
- Social
- Pair Can be kept in pairs or singly
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusRainford's GobyKoumansetta
- SpeciesRainford's gobyKoumansetta rainfordi Whitley, 1940
- SynonymsAmblygobius rainfordi (Whitley, 1940)
Care
Rainford's Goby is a hardy species that requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing on microalgae and hiding. They are known to be sand sifters, helping to keep the substrate clean. A varied diet that includes both meaty foods and algae-based preparations will help maintain their health and coloration. It's important to ensure that they are getting enough to eat, as they can be outcompeted for food by more aggressive feeders.
Reproduction
In the home aquarium, breeding Rainford's Goby can be a challenge. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and little is known about their breeding habits in the wild. However, they are thought to form monogamous pairs and spawn within the safety of their rocky hideouts.
Habitat
Rainford's Goby is native to the Western Pacific, where it inhabits coral reefs and lagoons. They are often found in shallow waters, where they live among the coral rubble and sand. In the aquarium, they appreciate a similar environment with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate.
Geographical distribution includes the Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea, and reefs around Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.