Elacatinus oceanops (Neon Goby)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 40L+ (preferably 75L+ for pairs or groups)
• Adult size: ~5 cm (2 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous (marine pellets, frozen mysis/brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood)
• Be aware of: Functions as a cleaner fish, helping remove parasites from tank mates. Peaceful but may defend its territory against other gobies of the same species.
Neon Goby (Elacatinus oceanops) – A Hardy Cleaner Goby for Reef Tanks
The Neon Goby is a small but highly beneficial fish that adds both functionality and color to a reef tank. Known for its electric blue stripe running along its sleek black body, the Neon Goby serves as a natural cleaner fish, helping remove parasites and dead skin from larger fish. Despite its small size, it is incredibly hardy and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for nano and reef aquariums.
Appearance and Coloration
Neon Gobies have a sleek, streamlined body, featuring:
• A jet-black base color that runs along the entire body.
• A vibrant electric blue stripe running from the snout to the base of the tail.
• A small, torpedo-like shape, designed for hovering near rockwork and cleaning stations.
• Transparent fins, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Their small size and striking coloration make them an eye-catching addition to any reef tank.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, Neon Gobies inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcroppings, where they:
• Set up cleaning stations, removing parasites and dead skin from larger fish.
• Live in pairs or small groups, though they can be territorial toward their own species.
• Prefer to perch on rocks and corals, darting out to feed or interact with other fish.
• Are highly peaceful, making them excellent community tank members.
In captivity, they retain their natural cleaning behavior, often being seen grooming tank mates such as tangs, angelfish, and groupers.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Neon Gobies are incredibly adaptable, thriving in both nano tanks and large reef systems.
• Minimum tank size: 40L+ (75L+ recommended for pairs or groups)
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate to strong
• Filtration: High-quality filtration and regular water changes ensure stable water conditions.
Provide plenty of rockwork and hiding places, as Neon Gobies enjoy perching and establishing small territories.
Diet and Feeding
Despite their cleaner fish status, Neon Gobies require a protein-rich diet to stay healthy.
Recommended foods include:
• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp – Their primary diet in captivity.
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes – Enriched formulas work best.
• Finely chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, or fish) – Occasional treats.
• Live foods (copepods, amphipods, or blackworms) – Enhances natural feeding behavior.
Feed once or twice daily, ensuring they receive enough food, as their small size means they cannot store much energy.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Neon Gobies are peaceful and community-friendly, making them great for:
✔ Tangs, Angelfish, Wrasses, Clownfish, and Basslets, which often allow them to clean.
✔ Other peaceful gobies and small fish, such as Firefish and Blennies.
✔ Reef-safe invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and crabs.
Avoid housing with:
❌ Larger aggressive fish (e.g., Lionfish, aggressive Dottybacks, large Wrasses) that may eat them.
❌ More than one Neon Goby in small tanks, as they may fight over territory.
❌ Fast-feeding fish, as Neon Gobies may struggle to compete for food.
If keeping a pair or group, introduce them at the same time to prevent territorial disputes.
Cleaning Behavior and Tank Benefits
Neon Gobies are one of the few marine fish that actively clean tank mates, where they:
• Remove parasites and dead skin, reducing stress and disease in the tank.
• Help larger fish feel comfortable, often setting up cleaning stations near rockwork.
• Do not rely solely on cleaning for food, meaning they will still eat prepared diets.
While they will perform cleaning behaviors, they do not replace the need for good water quality and quarantine practices to prevent parasites in an aquarium.
Health and Disease Considerations
Neon Gobies are hardy, but they can be prone to:
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – They are known to help clean other fish but can still get infected.
• Bacterial infections – Often caused by stress or poor water conditions.
• Malnutrition – Ensure they receive enough food beyond their cleaning behavior.
To keep them healthy:
✔ Provide a varied diet rich in protein.
✔ Ensure stable water parameters.
✔ Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Neon Gobies can live up to 3-5 years in captivity. Their small size, unique cleaning behavior, and peaceful nature make them a fantastic addition to reef tanks of all sizes.
Why Choose a Neon Goby?
✔ Striking black body with an electric blue stripe – Visually stunning.
✔ Acts as a cleaner fish, removing parasites from larger tank mates.
✔ Hardy and adaptable, making them great for beginner and experienced aquarists.
✔ Can live in nano tanks, thriving in small or large systems.
✔ Reef-safe and peaceful, ideal for community tanks.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying a Neon Goby:
🚫 Can be territorial toward their own species – Best kept singly in smaller tanks.
🚫 Small size makes them vulnerable to predation – Avoid housing with large aggressive fish.
🚫 Does not fully prevent parasites in a tank – Proper quarantine is still essential.