SW Blue Neon Goby Tank Bred

Description

The Tank Bred Blue Neon Goby, Elacatinus oceanops, is a small and vibrant fish, reaching a maximum size of about 2 inches (5 centimetres). It has a slender body with a long, pointed snout and a single dorsal fin. The dominant colouration of this goby is a striking blue, which gives it a captivating appearance in the aquarium.

Natural Habitat:

In its natural habitat, the Blue Neon Goby can be found in the warm waters of coral reefs. These reefs are vibrant and diverse ecosystems, characterized by an abundance of corals, rocks, and sand. The gobies inhabit the rocky crevices and coral heads, seeking shelter and protection.

Keeping the Blue Neon Goby Tank Bred Healthy:

The Blue Neon Goby is generally a hardy fish with a moderate care level. It requires a well-established aquarium with stable water parameters. Provide plenty of hiding spots using live rock or coral structures to mimic its natural habitat. Maintaining proper water quality and temperature is crucial for their well-being.

Special Requirements and Feeding:

The Tank Bred Blue Neon Goby is a carnivorous species that feeds primarily on small crustaceans and parasites. In the aquarium, they should be offered a varied diet consisting of high-quality frozen and live foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and copepods. Supplement their diet with marine pellets or flake foods suitable for carnivorous fish.

How Many Should I Keep?

The Blue Neon Goby is best kept in pairs or small groups, as they exhibit social behaviour in the wild. Keeping multiple individuals can provide them with a sense of security and reduce aggression among tank mates.

Lighting Preference:

The Tank Bred Blue Neon Goby prefers aquariums with moderate to high lighting levels. Adequate lighting enhances their vibrant blue coloration and promotes natural behaviour.

Suitable Tank Mates:

The Blue Neon Goby is generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of reef-safe tank mates, including small peaceful fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. However, avoid keeping them with aggressive or predatory species that may harm or stress them.

Reproduction in the Wild

The Tank Bred Blue Neon Goby, Elacatinus oceanops, engages in interesting reproductive behaviour in the wild. These gobies are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they can change their sex from female to male during their lifespan. This adaptation helps maintain a stable population structure and ensures successful reproduction.

Breeding Elacatinus oceanops

1. Set up:

To encourage breeding, provide a well-maintained aquarium with suitable hiding spots, such as caves or crevices formed by live rock. Maintain stable water parameters, including temperature, salinity, and water quality.

2. Courtship/Spawning:

Blue Neon Gobies engage in an elaborate courtship display before spawning. The male performs a zig zagging dance to attract a female. Once a pair forms, they ascend to the water column, where the female releases her eggs and the male fertilizes them externally.

3. Rearing:

After fertilization, the buoyant eggs disperse in the water column, where they develop into larvae. The larvae go through various stages of development before eventually settling back to the substrate as juvenile gobies. Rearing the larvae is challenging and requires specialized equipment and expertise.

Sexual Dimorphism:

Sexual dimorphism in Tank Bred Blue Neon Gobies is not highly pronounced. Both males and females exhibit similar vibrant blue colouration and overall appearance. However, males may develop slightly larger dorsal fins as they transition from females to males.

Distribution:

The Blue Neon Goby, Elacatinus oceanops, is a naturally occurring species found in the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean Sea. While captive-bred and line-bred strains of Blue Neon Gobies are available in the aquarium trade, the original fish come from their natural habitat in the wild. These fish are tank bred

Summary: 

In summary, the Tank Bred Blue Neon Goby, Elacatinus oceanops, is a captivating marine fish known for its vibrant blue colouration and interesting reproductive behaviour. With proper care, they can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium, adding beauty and activity to the underwater environment. Their unique ability to change sex and their peaceful nature make them an intriguing addition to any reef tank. However, breeding Blue Neon Gobies can be challenging and requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Whether obtained as captive-bred or wild-caught specimens, these gobies bring a touch of the ocean’s beauty to the aquarium.

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