The Catalina Goby, also known as the Bluebanded Goby, was one of the first fish to be successfully farm raised, and it is considered one of the easiest marine fish to breed. It has an orange body with patches of blue on the head and face, and lighter blue vertical stripes on the anterior (front) half of the body. Males have a very dramatic eyespot on the fan-like dorsal fin.
Very striking when kept in small schools, the small Catalina Gobies will dart in and out of the rockwork and perch on their favorite lookout in the reef aquarium. It is not usually an aggressive fish, but may quarrel with conspecifics if housed together in a small tank. An aquarium of 30 gallons or larger is usually suitable.
Although it will tolerate a tropical water temperature, (76 to 78°F), the Catalina Goby prefers the cooler temperatures associated with the island where found, Catalina Island, off the coast of Los Angeles, California. Temperatures there range from 68 to 75°F.
In the wild, the Catalina Goby eats small pieces of fish and plant material. In the aquarium, it will consume almost any prepared foods for carnivores, mysid shrimp, table shrimp, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. It should be fed twice per day.
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Name: Catalina Goby (Lythrypnus dalli)
Family: Gobiidae Range: Gulf of California, Eastern Pacific Ocean Size: Up to 2 inches Diet: Carnivore Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants Reef Compatible: Yes Tank Conditions: 68-75°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4 Minimum Tank Capacity: 30 gallon Light: Medium Temperament: Peaceful Swimming Level: Bottom Care Level: Moderate Reproduction: Egg Layer |
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