Common name: Monster shrimpgoby

Scientific name: Tomiyamichthys oni (Tomiyama, 1936)

General information

The Oni Goby, scientifically known as Tomiyamichthys oni, is a captivating and relatively rare species in the marine aquarium trade. This species is known for its striking appearance, characterized by a vibrant yellow body with blue to purple stripes and spots. The Oni Goby is a member of the goby family, which is renowned for its diversity and adaptability.

Details

Recommended minimum volume
150 liter (40 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy
Symbiosis
Yes
Diet
Carnivore
Social
Pair
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No
Conservation status
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
    Shrimp Gobies
    Tomiyamichthys
  7. Species
    Monster shrimpgoby
    Tomiyamichthys oni (Tomiyama, 1936)
  8. Synonyms
    Cryptocentrus oni Tomiyama, 1936

Care

Tomiyamichthys oni requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for hiding and hunting microfauna. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. It's important to have a tightly fitting lid as gobies are known to jump, especially when startled or in new environments.

A varied diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health. They may also accept high-quality pellet and flake foods.

Reproduction

Oni Gobies are not commonly bred in captivity, but like many gobies, they are likely to form monogamous pairs and spawn within the safety of their hiding places. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Oni Goby includes sandy bottoms and coral reefs where they can be found at various depths. They are indigenous to the Western Pacific, with sightings around Japan and the Philippines.

In the aquarium, they appreciate a sand substrate and areas of low flow where they can sift for food without strong currents.