Common name: Greenbanded goby
General information
The Greenbanded Goby, scientifically known as Tigrigobius multifasciatus, is a small and colorful fish that is popular among saltwater aquarium enthusiasts. This species is known for its striking green and white bands that run vertically along its body, making it a visually appealing addition to any reef tank. They are typically peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other non-aggressive fish and invertebrates.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 40 liter (11 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 live rock with crevices.
- Symbiosis
- Yes May cohabit with shrimps.
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys small crustaceans.
- Social
- Pair Pairs often share burrows.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusNeon GobyTigrigobius
- SpeciesGreenbanded gobyTigrigobius multifasciatus (Steindachner, 1876)
- SynonymsElacatinus multifasciatum (Steindachner, 1876)Gobiosoma multifasciatum Steindachner, 1876Gobius lineatus Poey, 1861
Care
Greenbanded Gobies are relatively easy to care for but do require a stable and mature aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting for small invertebrates. They are carnivorous, feeding on a diet of small crustaceans and brine shrimp. It's important to ensure that these gobies are provided with multiple small feedings throughout the day due to their high metabolism.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, Greenbanded Gobies can spawn if they are kept in a pair. They lay their eggs in small crevices or on the ceiling of caves within the live rock, and the male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. The larvae are planktonic and can be challenging to raise due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.
Habitat
Tigrigobius multifasciatus is found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. They inhabit shallow reefs and seagrass beds, often seen hovering near the bottom where they can retreat to safety if threatened.