Citron Goby

Environment

Minimum volume 100 liters for a pair. Mature reef aquarium with live branching corals mandatory (Acropora preferred). The goby lives exclusively in the coral branches, which serve as shelter, spawning site and territory. Décor with live rock and good flow. Lighting suited to corals (necessary for host coral health). Temperature 24-28°C, salinity 1.023-1.025 (33-37 g/L), pH 8.0-8.4, calcium 400-450 mg/L. Excellent water quality required.

Feeding

Carnivorous diet. Readily accepts frozen food (brine shrimp, mysis, cyclops), small pellets for marine fish. Feed 1-2 times daily in small quantities. Also feeds on mucus produced by its host coral and micro-organisms present in the branches. Unafraid fish that quickly adapts to offered food.

Health & common diseases

The Citron Goby is hardy but sensitive to bacterial skin infections and marine parasites such as Amyloodinium (marine velvet) and Cryptocaryon (marine ich). Watch for color changes, white spots, cloudy eyes or rapid breathing. Maintain excellent water quality (nitrates <20 mg/L), avoid stress from handling and systematically quarantine new arrivals. A varied diet and the presence of Acropora (host coral) strengthen its immune system.

Tips & tankmates

Excellent compatibility with all peaceful fish and invertebrates. Avoid large predatory or aggressive territorial fish. Can be kept alone, in pairs or in small groups on the same coral if it is large enough. Territorial species towards conspecifics in small spaces. Warning: without a suitable host coral, this fish deteriorates rapidly. The pair may spawn in the coral branches. Toxic skin (mucus): avoid handling. Good indicator of host coral health.

Sources

• FishBase - Gobiodon citrinus
• Reef Builders
• WetWebMedia - Coral Gobies