Common name: Yellow-speckled pygmy-goby

Scientific name: Trimma taylori Lobel, 1979

General information

Trimma taylori, commonly known as Taylor's Pygmy Goby, is a small and colorful species of goby that is a favorite among nano-reef enthusiasts. This diminutive fish is known for its vibrant coloration, typically featuring a yellow-orange body with blue to purple vertical stripes and a bright blue spot on the first dorsal fin. Its small size and peaceful nature make it an excellent choice for smaller reef aquariums.

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 Enjoys small live or frozen foods
Social
Harem Can be kept in small groups
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
    Yellow-speckled pygmy-goby
    Trimma taylori Lobel, 1979

Care

Taylor's Pygmy Goby is a hardy species that thrives in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for hiding and foraging. They are typically found in the wild clinging to coral rubble or rockwork, so replicating this environment will help them feel secure. They are not aggressive eaters, so care should be taken to ensure they receive adequate food, such as small live or frozen foods like copepods or brine shrimp.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Trimma taylori may spawn if kept in a peaceful environment with a suitable mate. They are cave spawners, laying their eggs in a secure location where the male will guard and tend to them until they hatch. The larvae are pelagic and can be challenging to rear in captivity due to their small size and specific dietary requirements.

Habitat

Trimma taylori is found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to northern Australia. They inhabit shallow reefs and lagoons, typically at depths of 5 to 40 meters. In the aquarium, they do best in similar conditions with stable water quality, moderate lighting, and gentle water flow.