Gold Neon Goby Tank Bred

The Tank Bred Gold Neon Goby, Elacatinus figaro, is a small and colourful fish with a maximum size of approximately 2 inches (5 cm). It has a slender body and a vibrant gold colouration, which makes it a beautiful addition to a marine aquarium. The fins of the Gold Neon Goby are well-developed, and it has a distinctive elongated dorsal fin.

Natural Habitat:

In their natural habitat, Gold Neon Gobies can be found in reef environments, particularly around coral reefs and rocky areas. They prefer areas with plenty of hiding spots such as crevices and caves. These habitats provide the gobies with protection and shelter, allowing them to establish territories and form social groups.

Keeping Tank Bred Gold Neon Goby Healthy.

The care level for the Tank Bred Gold Neon Goby is considered moderate, making it suitable for intermediate to experienced aquarium hobbyists. It is important to maintain stable water parameters in the aquarium, including appropriate temperature, pH levels, and water quality. Providing a well-established aquarium with live rock and hiding spots will create a suitable environment for the goby. However, it is worth noting that Gold Neon Gobies are a bit delicate and require proper acclimation and care to thrive.

Special Requirements and Feeding:

Tank Bred Gold Neon Gobies are carnivorous and primarily feed on small crustaceans, copepods, and amphipods. In an aquarium setting, they can be fed with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped meaty foods. It is important to offer a varied diet to ensure their nutritional needs are met. Additionally, providing a well-established aquarium with ample live rock will help stimulate the growth of natural food sources, such as copepods, which can supplement their diet.

How Many Should I Keep:

Gold Neon Gobies are social fish and can be kept in small groups in the aquarium. Keeping a small group of three to five individuals will provide them with a sense of security and mimic their natural behaviour. However, ensure that the aquarium is spacious enough to accommodate multiple gobies and provide ample hiding spots for each individual.

Lighting Preference:

Gold Neon Gobies prefer moderate to high lighting conditions in the aquarium. Adequate lighting not only enhances their vibrant gold colouration but also promotes the growth of beneficial algae and microorganisms that serve as a natural food source for the gobies.

Suitable Tank Mates:

Tank Bred Gold Neon Gobies are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tank mates in a well-maintained reef aquarium. They are suitable tank mates for other small and peaceful fish species, including clownfish, gobies, blennies, and certain species of wrasses. However, it is important to avoid aggressive or territorial fish that may intimidate or harm the gobies.

Reproduction in the Wild:

In the wild, the Gold Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro) engages in a unique reproductive behaviour known as “lekking.” During the breeding season, males establish and defend territories, known as leks, where they perform courtship displays to attract females. These displays involve vibrant colour changes and fin movements to entice potential mates.

Breeding Elacatinus figaro:

Breeding the Gold Neon Goby in captivity can be challenging due to their specific requirements and behaviours. Here is a detailed breakdown of the breeding process:

1. Set up:

Create a dedicated breeding tank with appropriate conditions. The tank should have a stable temperature around 78-82°F (25-28°C) and a pH range of 8.1-8.4. Provide ample hiding spots using live rock or PVC pipes to mimic natural nesting areas.

2. Courtship/Spawning:

Introduce a pair of Gold Neon Gobies into the breeding tank. The male will establish his territory and display courtship behaviours to attract the female. This includes colour changes, fin movements, and intricate swimming patterns. Once the female is receptive, spawning will occur, typically during dusk or dawn.

3. Rearing:

After spawning, the female will deposit adhesive eggs on a prepared surface, such as the underside of a rock or inside a pipe. The male will guard and aerate the eggs, fanning them with his fins to ensure proper oxygenation. The eggs will hatch within a week, and the larvae will begin their planktonic stage.

Sexual Dimorphism:

Tank Bred Gold Neon Gobies exhibit minimal sexual dimorphism, with males and females appearing very similar in colouration and body shape. However, during courtship, males may display more intense colouration and fin extensions to attract females.

Distribution:

These fish are tank bred. The Gold Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro) is a naturally occurring species found in the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean. While there may be captive-bred line-bred strains available in the aquarium trade, the original wild fish come from their natural habitat in the Caribbean.

Summary:

The Gold Neon Goby (Elacatinus figaro) is a striking and challenging fish to breed in captivity. Their reproductive behaviour involves lekking, with males performing elaborate courtship displays to attract females. Breeding them requires specific tank setup, stable conditions, and careful observation of courtship and spawning behaviours. While minimal sexual dimorphism is present, males may display more intense colours during courtship. The Gold Neon Goby is naturally distributed in the Caribbean Sea and the western Atlantic Ocean, making it an appealing addition to a well-maintained reef tank.