Common name: Fishelson's Pygmy Goby

Scientific name: Trimma fishelsoni Goren, 1985

General information

Fishelson's Pygmy Goby, scientifically known as Trimma fishelsoni, is a small and colorful marine fish that is a member of the goby family, Gobiidae. This species is named after the ichthyologist Lev Fishelson. It is known for its vibrant coloration, typically displaying a combination of red, yellow, and blue hues, which makes it a visually appealing addition to any reef aquarium.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
40 liter (11 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.4
Average size
4 cm (1½″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers caves and overhangs
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys small crustaceans
Social
Harem Best kept in groups with more females
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
    Fishelson's Pygmy Goby
    Trimma fishelsoni Goren, 1985

Care

Trimma fishelsoni is a small, peaceful fish that is well-suited for nano or larger reef aquariums with plenty of live rock and hiding places. Due to their diminutive size, they are best kept in tanks where they won't be outcompeted for food by larger, more aggressive fish. A varied diet of small, meaty foods such as copepods, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their well-being.

Reproduction

Like many gobies, Trimma fishelsoni is known to spawn in captivity. They lay their eggs in small caves or crevices within the live rock, and the male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. Successful breeding requires excellent water quality and a stable environment.

Habitat

Fishelson's Pygmy Goby is found in the Western Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas and lagoons, often seen dwelling among the branches of stony corals or hiding in small crevices. They are usually found at depths ranging from 3 to 40 meters.