Fish of the Week - the Gudgeon Goby

Gudgeon Goby (Ptereleotris heteropterus)

The Gudgeon Goby safely inhabits a reef tank, staying near the substrate and yet not sifting it like other gobies may. They don't burrow in the sand; they prefer to find a tight safe spot in a crevice between rock and substrate. When kept in a group, they venture out one by one, and will retreat in the same order. Smaller food is preferred, such as cyclop-eeze. They are almost painfully shy, but when out are totally worth it because very few people keep them.

Origin: Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, Marquesan, and Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island; Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands in Micronesia
Depth found: 5 - 46 m
Max Length: 5.5"
Temperament: Timid
Reef Compatible: Yes
Water Quality: 1.023 - 1.026sg, 8-11 dKH, ph 8.1-8.4, 72°-81°F
Fish Compatibility: Safe - very shy
Diet: Omnivore
Minimum Tank Size: Nano (12g if the fish is very small)
Ease of Care: Easy





Over the past 18 months, three of these gobies have been in my reef, and get along well with the other fish. They know when feeding time is each evening and will venture out into the open water in anticipation of a meal. When feeding nori (sheet algae) to the reef, they emerge and look for any food that drifts toward them, away from the fervent activity. I've observed them eating live baby brine shrimp often.

At my local fish store, the main display tank had a group of Gudgeon gobies that grew accustomed to the constant activity of people walking in and out of the store all day long. They lost their nervousness, and showcased their beauty to anyone nearby. Being out all the time, many customers began to request them including myself. They have been model citizens, never disturbing any corals. They haven't strayed far from their home, and don't venture out into the reef at all. I'd say they've stayed in a 16" radius of their safe spot for their entire stay in my tank. It bears stating that they have had no problem with my Six Line wrasse, which tends to be aggressive. If you have a different experience, please comment below and provide your feedback.

They seem to do very well in groups, so I would recommend they be purchased the same way rather than singly. I've not noticed any obvious displays that would indicate male from female nor why one would be considered the 'leader' of the group. When one ventures out, the others are waiting to see if the coast is clear. If you can see their hiding spot, you'll see them snuggling side by side watching with big eyes for a signal to swim out into the open. After a duration, the second one will come out and after a bit, the next will follow. When they go back, the last one goes in first, then the second one, and finally the first one in reverse order of how they emerged originally.

Due to their mass, I don't consider them a significant bioload to an aquarium. Based on personal observation, I don't imagine these as jumpers since their tendency is to always dart back into the rockwork near the substrate. Mine have been lurking under a Hammer coral and haven't affected the LPS whatsoever. More importantly, they don't disturb the sand which many gobies do. Since that usually may result in burying corals or weaking liverock structures, this is a big plus for most reef keepers. Gudgeon gobies are an affordable and beautiful addition to most reef tanks.