Red Head Goby

The Red Head Goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus) is a small, peaceful, and eye-catching marine fish known for its bright red head and sleek black body with a silver or white underbelly. Native to the Eastern Pacific, particularly along the coast of Mexico, this goby is a great choice for nano and reef aquariums. It is also a cleaner fish, meaning it helps remove parasites from tankmates, making it both beautiful and beneficial in a marine setup.

Please note: We ship Livestock Monday-Wednesday to ensure a safe and prompt delivery. Please plan your orders accordingly. We mostly sell Juvenile livestock, adults will be sent if available. We do not sex livestock for customers a mix of males and females will be sent if there is availability.

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Shipping

Please note: If the size and weight of your order exceeds the standard box shipping size extra courier fees will be communicated to you after you have placed your order. Due to the complexity of this it can not be calculated during checkout. The website will only calculate the minimum shipping Charge. This is company Policy.

We only ship livestock and plants Monday – Wednesday. All other products can be shipped Monday – Friday. To ensure livestock does not sit in the couriers warehouse over the weekend.

Returns

Non-livestock items are returnable within 7 days upon purchasing. If the item is found to be in working condition, the client will be liable to cover ALL shipping fees. If items is faulty, a full refund or replacement will take place and shipping will be covered by Aqua Atlantis.

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Product details

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.