About the Red Tailed Goby
Name: Red Tailed Goby
Max Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Recommend pH: 7.8-8.4
Recommended Temperature (°F): 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Diet: Red Tailed Gobies are omnivorous and have a hearty appetite. They will accept a wide range of foods including high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen or live brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small crustaceans. It is also beneficial to provide them with some vegetable matter in their diet, such as blanched spinach or algae-based flakes.
Temperament: Red Tailed Gobies are generally peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable for community aquariums. However, they can become territorial during breeding or if overcrowded. Providing ample hiding places and space for each individual is important to minimize territorial aggression.
Schooling or Non-Schooling Fish: Red Tailed Gobies are non-schooling fish. They can be kept as solitary individuals or in small groups, depending on the size of the aquarium and individual behavior.
Possible types of tank mates: They can be kept with other peaceful community fish that share similar water requirements. Good tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, peaceful dwarf cichlids, and other non-aggressive species. Avoid keeping them with fin-nipping or aggressive fish that may harass or damage their long fins.
Behavior: Red Tailed Gobies are known for their vibrant colors and the distinctive red coloration on the lower portion of their tail fin. They are active and agile swimmers, often darting around the aquarium and exploring their surroundings. These gobies have a unique ability to cling to vertical surfaces, thanks to a modified pelvic fin called the "sucker belly." They use this adaptation to attach themselves to rocks, driftwood, or the glass walls of the aquarium. They are generally peaceful and can be observed engaging in natural behaviors like foraging for food and interacting with their environment.
Fun Fact: Red Tailed Gobies are part of the Gobiidae family, which is one of the largest fish families with over 2,000 known species. These gobies are often found in coastal areas and estuaries, where they play important roles in the ecosystem. They are efficient algae grazers and can help control algae growth in the aquarium. Their vibrant colors and unique characteristics make them a fascinating addition to any aquarium setup.