Common name: Lantana pygmygoby

Scientific name: Trimma lantana Winterbottom & Villa, 2003

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 tank 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

  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
    Lantana pygmygoby
    Trimma 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.