Common name: Soft-coral goby

Scientific name: Pleurosicya boldinghi Weber, 1913
Ghost GobyZwerggrundel
Sofcoral ghost goby, Pleurosicya boldinghi,  Raja Ampat IndonesiaSoft-coral goby (Pleurosicya boldinghi) perched on a soft coral in Tulamben, Bali, Indonesia

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
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Goby
    Gobiidae
  6. Genus
    Mushroom Coral Blenny
    Pleurosicya
  7. Species
    Soft-coral goby
    Pleurosicya 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.