Citron Goby
Gobiodon citrinus
Small bright yellow reef goby living in close symbiosis with corals of the genus Acropora. Very peaceful fish, ideal for reef beginners. Its care absolutely requires the presence of branching corals (Acropora, Pocillopora or Seriatopora) in which it lives and breeds. Hardy and undemanding species once the host coral is established.
Parameters
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Min volume
- 100 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 8–8.4
- Salinity
- 33–37 g/L
- Calcium
- 400–450 mg/L
- Adult size
- 6 cm
- Lifespan
- 5 years
- Diet
- carnivore
- Temperament
- pacifique
- Difficulty
- facile
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 water flow. Lighting suitable for 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. Fearless fish that quickly adapts to offered food.
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. Territorial species towards conspecifics in small spaces. Warning: without suitable host coral, this fish rapidly declines. Pairs may spawn in coral branches. Toxic skin (mucus): avoid handling. Good indicator of host coral health.
Sources
- FishBase - Gobiodon citrinus
- Reef Builders
- WetWebMedia - Coral Gobies
Ask AquaBot
A question about Citron Goby? The assistant answers from this care sheet.
I'm AquaBot, an AI: I can make mistakes. Double-check important information.
Information provided for guidance only; it may vary between individuals and conditions. If in doubt about an animal's health, consult a vet.