Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Neon Gold Stripe Goby, also referred to as the Gold Neon Goby or Cleaner Goby, is well known for its dazzling coloration. An endemic fish to Brazil, the Neon gold stripe goby has a slender, long body with a pair of dark and electric gold horizontal stripes on each side of its body. Neon gobies are relatively peaceful and stay small, making them a great candidate for nano aquariums and community reef tanks. Interestingly Neon gold stripe gobies, even given their small adult size, are often left unharmed by larger fish in the aquarium because they are seen as “cleaner” fish. In the wild, these gobies pick parasites off of fish and this behavior may be observed in the home aquarium. Neon gobies are best kept singly unless the aquarium is large enough to provide space and hiding spots for multiple individuals; all individuals should be introduced at the same time for the best chance of success. An adult Neon gold stripe goby can reach a size of approximately 2″.

Diet Requirements: Neon gold stripe gobies are primarily carnivores, feeding on small organisms suspended in the water column and off of the live rock. A diet largely consisting of high quality, vitamin enriched frozen preparations is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, calanus, cyclopeeze and rotifers. Frozen food mixes that include algae such as Spirulina and Chlorella are desired. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements. Neon cleaner gobies may accept high quality flake and micro-pellet foods.

Care Requirements: A minimum 10 to 15 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a single Neon gold stripe goby. A larger tank would be required for a group. Neon gold stripe gobies enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to hop around on and take refuge if needed. Do not house Neon blue stripe gobies with overly aggressive and pugnacious tank-mates, or predatory fish that could still potentially eat them. Neon cleaner gobies also sometimes fall victim to reef lobsters and larger pistol shrimp species. A Neon gold stripe goby would feel most at home in a reef aquarium, and they will not harm any invertebrate or coral. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 1/4″ to 1″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 1-3/4″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.