Common name: Giant jawfish

General information

The Signal Goby, also known as the Brownbarred Jawfish, is a fascinating and characterful fish that makes a great addition to many saltwater aquariums. Its scientific name is Opistognathus rhomaleus, and it belongs to the family Opistognathidae. This species is known for its unique behavior of burrowing into the substrate to create a home, which can be quite entertaining to observe.

The Signal Goby has a distinctive appearance with its elongated body, large mouth, and brown bars across a pale body. They are relatively small, reaching up to about 4 inches in length, which makes them suitable for smaller tanks as well.

Care

Caring for Signal Gobies requires an aquarium with a sandy bottom that allows them to exhibit their natural burrowing behavior. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. A varied diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Signal Gobies are known to be mouthbrooders, with males taking responsibility for carrying the eggs in their mouths until they hatch. Reproduction in the home aquarium is possible but challenging, requiring careful attention to water quality and diet.

Habitat

Signal Gobies are found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to northern South America. They inhabit sandy and rubble substrates in shallow reefs and seagrass beds, often in areas with strong currents.