Common name: Avidor's Pygmy Goby

General information

Trimma avidori, commonly known as Avidor's Pygmy Goby, is a small and colorful species of goby that has recently gained attention in the reefkeeping hobby. This species is named in honor of the Israeli ichthyologist Menachem Avidor. It is known for its vibrant coloration, typically displaying a combination of red, yellow, and blue hues that can add a pop of color to any reef aquarium.

Care

Avidor's Pygmy Goby is a peaceful and relatively hardy species, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock and hiding places. Due to their small size, they are best kept in nano or small-sized tanks to prevent them from being outcompeted for food by larger tank mates. A varied diet of small live and frozen foods such as copepods, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

Like many gobies, Trimma avidori is known to be a cave spawner, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their small size and specific requirements for water quality and food for the larvae.

Habitat

Trimma avidori is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Indonesia. They typically inhabit coral reefs and rubble slopes, often at depths ranging from 20 to 70 meters. In the wild, they are usually observed in small groups hovering close to the substrate or within the shelter of coral branches.