Common name: Lantana pygmygoby
General information
The Lantana Goby, scientifically known as Trimma lantana, is a small and colorful species of goby that is a charming addition to nano and pico reef aquariums. This diminutive fish is known for its vibrant orange body with a distinctive white lattice pattern, which makes it a visually appealing inhabitant. Despite its small size, it has a big personality and is often seen perching on rocks or corals, observing its surroundings with curiosity.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 40 liter (11 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 4 cm (1½″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers caves and overhangs
- Diet
- Carnivore Small crustaceans and zooplankton
- Social
- Harem Best kept in groups with more females
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusPygmy GobiesTrimma
- SpeciesLantana pygmygobyTrimma lantana Winterbottom & Villa, 2003
Care
Lantana Gobies are suitable for small, mature reef aquariums where they can thrive among live rock and coral. They prefer a tank with plenty of hiding spots and a gentle current. These gobies are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. They feed on small crustaceans and should be offered a variety of live and frozen foods such as copepods, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp to maintain a balanced diet.
Reproduction
In the wild, Trimma lantana is an egg-laying species that exhibits biparental care. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. In the aquarium, breeding these gobies can be challenging due to their small size and specific requirements for water quality and food for the larvae.
Habitat
Trimma lantana is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Indonesia. They inhabit coral reefs and are often found at depths ranging from 20 to 70 meters, where they associate with rubble and coral outcrops. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with live rock structures and a sandy substrate can help these gobies feel at home.