Common name: Soft-coral goby
General information
The Bolding's Ghost Goby, scientifically known as Pleurosicya boldinghi, is a small and cryptic fish species that is part of the Gobiidae family. This species is not as commonly found in the aquarium trade as some other gobies, but it can be a fascinating addition to a peaceful reef tank. They are known for their translucent bodies, which can make them quite elusive and interesting to observe as they blend into their surroundings.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 40 liter (11 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 3.5 cm (1½″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers live rock with crevices
- Diet
- Carnivore Feeds on small crustaceans
- Social
- Pair Can be kept in pairs or small groups
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
- Conservation statusSource: IUCN Red List
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusMushroom Coral BlennyPleurosicya
- SpeciesSoft-coral gobyPleurosicya boldinghi Weber, 1913
Care
Bolding's Ghost Gobies are small, reaching only about 3.5 cm in length, and require a tank with plenty of live rock and hiding places. They are peaceful fish that should be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. Due to their small size, they are best suited for nano or pico tanks. They feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton, so a mature tank with a stable microfauna population is beneficial for their diet.
Reproduction
Little is known about the breeding habits of Pleurosicya boldinghi in the wild or in captivity. However, like many other gobies, they are likely to be demersal spawners, laying their eggs in a hidden location where the male will guard them until they hatch.
Habitat
Bolding's Ghost Gobies are found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs and rubble slopes. They tend to inhabit shallow waters and are often associated with sponges or other sessile invertebrates, which provide them with shelter and a place to forage for food.