They feed on forms of plankton and very small marine invertebrates. When keeping gobies in an aquarium, it is not … Small goby species which can grow to 9 – 10cm, but is typically half this length. The colour can vary between brownish, greyish or yellow and the dorsal fin is often brightly coloured. Most of them are relatively small, typically less than 10 cm (3.9 in) in length. There are over 2000 different variations of this species, originating from the family Phylum Gobiidae. Most species are bottom-dwellers and have a weak suction cup formed by the fusion of their pelvic fins. It can grow to a maximum of around 17 – 18cm, although on average it is around half of this length. While gobies can find a reasonable amount of food in a typical aquarium, some supplementary feeding will prevent individuals becoming emaciated. Email us: This genus includes the fantastically named and expensive S. dracula (Dracula goby) from the Indian Ocean, again reaching just 7cm. Up in Scotland, pink salmon have been reported in the Ness, Dee and Helmsdale rivers. The round goby was first brought to North America in ballast water. Mouth is somewhat upturned with prominent lips. They will set up cleaning stations, but can defend these against other cleaner gobies — so ensure ample room if attempting to keep more than one. The painted goby is generally a light brown/yellow speckled colour with darker patches. There is currently no shore caught record listed for this species of goby. Gobies are considered abundant around both the UK and the rest of Europe and is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. These fish are generally fairly small, some growing to a maximum size of 1 cm. Scroll down to read through all profiles, or click on the links below to jump to a species. These fish make a viable alternative to cleaner wrasses of the Labroides genus. Neon gobies are the alternative cleaners (picture above by Nick Hobgood, Creative Commons). A shrimp will keep in constant contact with the goby via its antennae and both shrimp and goby retreat to the burrow at the first sign of danger. This species can be found across sandy and gravel areas where they are camouflaged against the seabed and live in waters from shallow inshore waters (including rockpools) down to depths of over fifty metres. Many can change sex too, making the establishment of pairs no problem for individuals living in the wild – as every member of the species is a potential partner! The round goby can displace native fish from prime habitat and spawning areas. Gobies can be found in almost all bodies of water, including the coldest oceans to freshwater mountain streams. Females lay eggs on stone surfaces or on discarded shells, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch. The best shrimp with which to attempt such a pairing is Randall’s shrimp (Alpheus randalli) — identifiable courtesy of its red-banded legs. Its range expands throughout the Mediterranean and Black Sea and along the northern coast of Africa. Population of this species is spread all around the British Isles, but it is more common around the western coast, with its range extending throughout most of Europe’s waters. 12 issues of Practical Fishkeeping JUST £29.99 (RRP £54). The basis of this relationship is that the shrimp are good at building burrows but have poor eyesight. Due to its size this species has limited commercial value, mostly in regions around the Black Sea. Give the perfect gift or treat yourself! Couch’s goby feed on small marine worms and tiny shellfish and crustaceans. And a hot topic of conversation among anglers. This species can be found in shallow inshore waters including in rockpools, but can also be found in relatively deep water down to around fifty metres. GB 638 3492 15, Copyright © 2020 Warners Group Publications Plc. Blennies are a bottom dwelling species found on or close to sand and rocks. Little is known about the life cycle of the crystal goby, although it is thought to be short lived and possibly die after spawning after its first year of life. See our latest subscription offer. The company is committed to producing hand-made, eco-friendly and vegan shoes, bags and accessories which have stylish art designs placed on various materials such as leather, artificial leather and cotton using an advanced print technology. From the Amblyeleotris genus there’s A. aurora (above). Once an individual is established in the aquarium it will perch on its coral, seemingly demanding all your attention and becoming a true and affectionate pet. Common Goby – Black Goby – Two-Spotted Goby – Steven’s Goby – Red Mouthed Goby – Leopard Spotted Goby – Painted Goby – Giant Goby – Sand Goby – Jeffrey’s Goby – Rock Goby – Transparent Goby – Fries’s Goby – Diminuitive Goby – Couch’s Goby – Crystal Goby, Common Goby (Pomatoschistus Microps) – British shore caught record: 1 gram.