Tangaroa Shrimp Goby

Description

Tangaroa Shrimp Goby, also known as Hi Fin Spangled Goby, Ctenogobiops tangaroai, is a visually captivating fish that showcases vibrant colours in a dazzling pattern. It has a slender body with a maximum size of around 3 inches (7.6 centimetres). The body is predominantly white, adorned with vivid orange spots. The elongated dorsal fin gives it a distinct appearance, hence the name “Hi Fin” Spangled Goby.

Natural Habitat: 

In its natural habitat, the Tangaroa Shrimp Goby can be found among the coral reefs and sandy bottoms of tropical marine environments. It seeks shelter among the intricate structures of the reef and the crevices of the substrate. These habitats offer ample hiding places and provide a rich variety of microorganisms and small crustaceans for the goby to feed upon.

Keeping the Tangaroa Shrimp Goby Healthy:

Keeping the Tangaroa Shrimp Goby or Hi Fin Spangled Goby, healthy requires providing a suitable environment and meeting its specific care requirements. It has a moderate care level and can be moderately challenging to care for due to its specific needs. Maintaining stable water parameters, including temperature, salinity, and pH, is crucial. A well-established and mature aquarium with a sand substrate and live rock is recommended to mimic its natural habitat.

Special Requirements and Feeding:

The Tangaroa Shrimp Goby is a carnivorous species that feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet consisting of high-quality frozen or live foods. Suitable food options include brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, copepods, and other small crustaceans. Providing multiple feedings throughout the day helps ensure their nutritional needs are met.

How Many Should I Keep?

The Tangaroa Shrimp Goby can be kept individually or in pairs or small groups, especially if you have a larger aquarium. They tend to establish territories, so providing enough space and hiding places for each fish is essential to minimize aggression.

Lighting Preference:

This Goby prefers moderate lighting in the aquarium. It can adapt well to various lighting setups, but it is important to ensure that the lighting does not cause excessive stress or hinder the goby’s natural behaviours.

Suitable Tank Mates:

The Tangaroa Shrimp Goby is generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive species in a reef or community aquarium. Suitable tank mates include other small peaceful fish, such as gobies, blennies, small wrasses, and compatible invertebrates like shrimp and small reef-safe crabs.

Reproduction in the Wild:

In the wild, the Tangaroa Shrimp Goby (Ctenogobiops tangaroai) participates in a fascinating reproductive process to ensure the survival of its species. The goby exhibits distinct behaviours during breeding, spawning, and rearing.

Breeding of Ctenogobiops tangaroai:

1. Set up:

To facilitate successful breeding, a well-maintained and mature aquarium with suitable conditions should be provided. It should have stable water parameters, including temperature, salinity, and pH. The presence of live rock and sandy substrate mimics the natural habitat and provides suitable hiding places for the gobies.

2. Courtship/ Spawning:

During courtship, the male Tangaroa Shrimp Goby showcases vibrant colours and intricate fin displays to attract a female. Once courtship is successful, the pair engages in a delicate dance, swimming closely together. The female then releases her eggs, while the male simultaneously releases his sperm, allowing for external fertilization. The fertilized eggs are left to attach to the substrate, such as the sand or crevices, where they will develop.

3. Rearing:

After the eggs are fertilized, the male takes on the responsibility of guarding and maintaining the eggs. He ensures their protection from potential predators and provides water flow around the eggs for oxygenation. The eggs develop within their protective capsules, gradually transitioning into larvae. The larvae enter a pelagic phase, drifting in the water column, where they feed on small planktonic organisms to fuel their growth. Eventually, they undergo metamorphosis and settle onto the substrate, becoming juvenile Tangaroa Shrimp Gobies.

Sexual Dimorphism:

Sexual dimorphism in this species is not prominent, and distinguishing between males and females can be challenging. However, some individuals may exhibit slight differences in size, colouration, or fin morphology, with males often displaying more vibrant colours during courtship.

Distribution:

The Tangaroa Shrimp Goby (Ctenogobiops tangaroai) is not a captive-bred or line-bred strain. It is a naturally occurring species found in the Western Pacific Ocean, particularly in regions such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.

Summary:

The Tangaroa Shrimp Goby (Ctenogobiops tangaroai) is a captivating fish known for its vibrant pattern. It exhibits fascinating reproductive behaviours in the wild, including courtship displays, external fertilization, and parental care. The male diligently guards the eggs until they hatch into larvae, which eventually settle onto the substrate as juvenile gobies. While sexual dimorphism is subtle, these gobies contribute to the diverse marine ecosystems of the Western Pacific Ocean.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.