Common name: Michel's ghost goby

General information

Michel's Ghost Goby, scientifically known as Pleurosicya micheli, is a small and fascinating marine fish that is part of the Gobiidae family. This species is known for its transparent body, which provides excellent camouflage against predators. They are often found clinging to various substrates in the wild, using their modified pelvic fins that form a suction cup.

Care

Michel's Ghost Goby is a peaceful and relatively easy fish to care for in a home aquarium. They thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of live rock and hiding places. Due to their small size and timid nature, they should be housed with other non-aggressive tank mates. A varied diet of small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped seafood is recommended to maintain their health.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, breeding Michel's Ghost Goby can be a rewarding experience. They are known to spawn in captivity, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch. The larvae are planktonic and can be challenging to raise due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.

Symbiosis

While not as iconic in symbiotic relationships as clownfish with anemones, Michel's Ghost Goby is known to associate with certain invertebrates for protection and foraging. They are often found in close proximity to sea urchins or branching corals, which provide shelter and a platform from which to feed on passing zooplankton.

Habitat

Michel's Ghost Goby is native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically found in shallow reef environments. They prefer areas with strong water movement where they can feed on the abundant plankton carried by the currents.