Common name: Greybearded pygmy goby

Scientific name: Trimma annosum Winterbottom, 2003

General information

The Redhead Pygmy Goby, scientifically known as Trimma annosum, is a small and colorful fish that is a delightful addition to nano and pico reef aquariums. Its vibrant red head and contrasting body make it a standout species. This goby is part of the Gobiidae family, which is known for its diversity and adaptability.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
40 liter (11 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
3 cm (1¼″)
Care level
Easy
Diet
Carnivore
Social
Harem
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perciformes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Goby
    Gobiidae
  6. Genus
    Pygmy Gobies
    Trimma
  7. Species
    Greybearded pygmy goby
    Trimma annosum Winterbottom, 2003

Care

Trimma annosum is a hardy species that thrives in well-established aquariums with stable water conditions. They prefer tanks with plenty of live rock and hiding places to mimic their natural habitat. Due to their small size, they are best kept in smaller aquariums where they can be easily observed and fed. A varied diet of small live and frozen foods like copepods and brine shrimp will keep them healthy and colorful.

Reproduction

Like many gobies, Trimma annosum is known to spawn in captivity. They lay their eggs in small crevices or under overhangs in the live rock. The male guards the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in a home aquarium requires attention to detail, particularly in maintaining water quality and providing the right food for the larvae.

Habitat

Trimma annosum is found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and rubble slopes, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. In the wild, they are often observed hovering near their preferred hiding spots, darting back to safety when threatened.