Coral Reef
Goby
More details
Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
Free
Free
Description
A small, vibrant reef fish known for its electric blue stripe and cleaner behavior. Peaceful, hardy, and full of character, the Neon Goby thrives in nano and community reef tanks.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to care for with stable parameters. Small size and peaceful nature make it ideal for beginners.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widely aquacultured. Most specimens in the hobby are captive-bred, reducing wild harvesting and reef pressure.
Origin
Native to the Western Atlantic, particularly Florida, the Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. Found in coral reef crevices and rocky outcroppings.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Characterized by a jet-black body with an iridescent neon blue stripe that runs from the snout to the tail. Small and sleek, it adds a flash of color and motion to reef layouts.
Purpose
Acts as a natural cleaner fish—removes parasites and dead skin from tank mates. Also serves as a calm, aesthetic accent in nano reef displays.
Importance
Useful for managing ectoparasites and enhancing reef community behavior. Captive-bred specimens adapt well and show long-term health.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, moderate lighting, and high water quality. Minimal flow is fine. Can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Does best with ample rockwork.
Best Use Cases
Excellent for nano reefs, peaceful community tanks, or coral-heavy systems. Great with other small fish and inverts.
Conservation Context
Captive-bred nearly exclusively. Promotes sustainable marine fishkeeping and decreases pressure on wild reef populations.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish
• Firefish
• Small gobies or blennies
• Soft corals and inverts
• Avoid aggressive or large species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 25.7617° N
• Longitude: -80.1918° W
(South Florida — reef zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 24.5551° N
• Longitude: -81.7800° W
(Key West, Florida — coral rubble and reef edge)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to care for with stable parameters. Small size and peaceful nature make it ideal for beginners.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widely aquacultured. Most specimens in the hobby are captive-bred, reducing wild harvesting and reef pressure.
Origin
Native to the Western Atlantic, particularly Florida, the Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. Found in coral reef crevices and rocky outcroppings.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Characterized by a jet-black body with an iridescent neon blue stripe that runs from the snout to the tail. Small and sleek, it adds a flash of color and motion to reef layouts.
Purpose
Acts as a natural cleaner fish—removes parasites and dead skin from tank mates. Also serves as a calm, aesthetic accent in nano reef displays.
Importance
Useful for managing ectoparasites and enhancing reef community behavior. Captive-bred specimens adapt well and show long-term health.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, moderate lighting, and high water quality. Minimal flow is fine. Can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Does best with ample rockwork.
Best Use Cases
Excellent for nano reefs, peaceful community tanks, or coral-heavy systems. Great with other small fish and inverts.
Conservation Context
Captive-bred nearly exclusively. Promotes sustainable marine fishkeeping and decreases pressure on wild reef populations.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish
• Firefish
• Small gobies or blennies
• Soft corals and inverts
• Avoid aggressive or large species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 25.7617° N
• Longitude: -80.1918° W
(South Florida — reef zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 24.5551° N
• Longitude: -81.7800° W
(Key West, Florida — coral rubble and reef edge)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to care for with stable parameters. Small size and peaceful nature make it ideal for beginners.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widely aquacultured. Most specimens in the hobby are captive-bred, reducing wild harvesting and reef pressure.
Origin
Native to the Western Atlantic, particularly Florida, the Bahamas, and the Gulf of Mexico. Found in coral reef crevices and rocky outcroppings.
Visual & Functional Appeal
Characterized by a jet-black body with an iridescent neon blue stripe that runs from the snout to the tail. Small and sleek, it adds a flash of color and motion to reef layouts.
Purpose
Acts as a natural cleaner fish—removes parasites and dead skin from tank mates. Also serves as a calm, aesthetic accent in nano reef displays.
Importance
Useful for managing ectoparasites and enhancing reef community behavior. Captive-bred specimens adapt well and show long-term health.
Included Resources
Requires stable salinity, moderate lighting, and high water quality. Minimal flow is fine. Can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons. Does best with ample rockwork.
Best Use Cases
Excellent for nano reefs, peaceful community tanks, or coral-heavy systems. Great with other small fish and inverts.
Conservation Context
Captive-bred nearly exclusively. Promotes sustainable marine fishkeeping and decreases pressure on wild reef populations.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish
• Firefish
• Small gobies or blennies
• Soft corals and inverts
• Avoid aggressive or large species
Region (A)
• Latitude: 25.7617° N
• Longitude: -80.1918° W
(South Florida — reef zones)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 24.5551° N
• Longitude: -81.7800° W
(Key West, Florida — coral rubble and reef edge)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops)
Region
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