Common name: Girdled goby
General information
The Girdled Goby, scientifically known as Priolepis cincta, is a small and attractive fish species popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. It is known for its distinctive coloration, featuring a series of vertical bands that can range from yellow to green, with a prominent black stripe running along the base of the dorsal fin. This species is relatively peaceful and can be a great addition to a community tank.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 6 cm (2½″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers complex environments.
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys small crustaceans.
- Social
- Harem Best kept in groups.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusGobyPriolepis
- SpeciesGirdled gobyPriolepis cincta (Regan, 1908)
- SynonymsAmblygobius naraharae Snyder, 1908Cingulogobius boulengeri (Seale, 1910)Gobiomorphus cinctus Regan, 1908Pleurogobius boulengeri Seale, 1910Priolepis naraharae (Snyder, 1908)Quisquilius cinctus (Regan, 1908)Zonogobius naraharae (Snyder, 1908)
Care
Girdled Gobies are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock and hiding spaces. These gobies are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates and zooplankton. In captivity, they should be offered a diet of small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
Reproduction
In the wild, Priolepis cincta is known to spawn in small crevices or under rocks where the female lays eggs that are then fertilized by the male. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. While breeding them in captivity can be challenging, it is possible with a well-maintained breeding setup and close attention to water quality and feeding.
Habitat
The Girdled Goby is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. It prefers shallow reef environments, often hiding among coral rubble and rocky substrates. They are typically found at depths ranging from just below the surface to about 30 meters.
Aquarists should aim to replicate this natural habitat by providing a tank with ample rockwork and a sandy substrate to encourage natural behavior and provide a sense of security for these small fish.