Scientific Name: Elacatinus puncticulatus
Common Names: Red Head Goby, Bumblebee Goby (not to be confused with the freshwater species)
Size: Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Lifespan: 2–4 years
Temperament: Peaceful; may be territorial with its own kind unless in a bonded pair
Diet: Carnivore – eats small meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets
Reef Compatibility: Yes – completely safe with corals and invertebrates
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (larger preferred for multiple gobies)
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Salinity: 1.020–1.025
- Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
Appearance
The Red Head Goby features a bright red head, which fades into a deep black body with a silver-white underside. This striking contrast makes it a standout fish in both small and large aquariums.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup: Prefers live rock caves, sandy substrate, and peaceful tankmates.
Behavior: Peaceful, but can be territorial toward other gobies unless paired. Often seen perching on rocks or hovering near cleaning stations.
Compatibility: Works well in reef and community tanks with other peaceful species. Avoid housing with large predatory fish.
Why Choose the Red Head Goby?
✔ Hardy and beginner-friendly
✔ Helps clean parasites off larger fish
✔ Beautiful, bold coloration that stands out in any tank
✔ Completely reef-safe – ideal for nano and large reef aquariums
Note: Due to its small size, avoid keeping it with large, aggressive fish that might see it as food.
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