Gobiodon citrinus (Citrine Goby / Poison Goby / Yellow Clown Goby)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ⚠ Yes, but may nip at SPS corals (Acropora) when nesting
• 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: Can secrete a mild toxin when stressed, helping deter predators. May nip at SPS coral polyps while creating a nesting site.
Citrine Goby (Gobiodon citrinus) – A Colorful and Coral-Perching Goby
The Citrine Goby, also known as the Poison Goby or Yellow Clown Goby, is a brightly colored, reef-associated species that spends most of its time perched among coral branches. Unlike burrowing gobies, this species prefers to live within Acropora coral colonies, making it an interesting and visually appealing choice for nano and reef aquariums.
Appearance and Coloration
Citrine Gobies are small but striking, featuring:
• A vibrant yellow to golden body, sometimes with a faint greenish tint.
• Thin, faint blue lines or dots running along the head and cheeks.
• A stout, rounded body with large pectoral fins, allowing them to “perch” comfortably.
• A grumpy or inquisitive facial expression, making them entertaining to watch.
Some specimens may display a slightly darker or muted tone, depending on their environment and diet.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Citrine Gobies are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they inhabit coral reefs and shallow lagoons, where they:
• Live exclusively among Acropora coral branches, using them for shelter and protection.
• Establish territories, often defending their chosen coral home from intruders.
• Secrete a mild toxic mucus, helping deter predators.
• Form monogamous pairs, with some pairs nesting inside coral branches.
In captivity, they retain their preference for perching and may be seen hopping between rockwork and coral.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Citrine Gobies are easy to care for, but they thrive in stable reef conditions with coral structures for perching.
• 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 to maintain pristine water quality.
A tank with branching corals, live rock, and ample hiding spaces is ideal, as this species relies on corals for security.
Diet and Feeding
Citrine Gobies are carnivorous and need small, meaty foods 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) – Encourages natural feeding behavior.
Feed once or twice daily, ensuring small enough portions to accommodate their tiny mouths.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Citrine Gobies are peaceful but territorial toward their own kind, making them great for:
✔ Clownfish, Blennies, Firefish, and other small reef fish.
✔ Peaceful invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and crabs.
✔ SPS reef tanks, provided they do not nip excessively.
Avoid housing with:
❌ Larger, aggressive fish (e.g., Triggerfish, large Wrasses, aggressive Dottybacks) that may harass them.
❌ Other small gobies, unless in a large enough tank with multiple coral territories.
❌ Highly delicate Acropora colonies, as Citrine Gobies may nip at polyps while nesting.
If keeping a pair or small group, introduce them at the same time to establish territories peacefully.
Coral Perching and Potential Nipping
While Citrine Gobies are generally considered reef-safe, they:
• Require coral structures (ideally SPS like Acropora) for perching and shelter.
• May nip at Acropora coral polyps, especially when setting up a nesting site.
• Are less likely to damage corals in a well-fed tank with multiple coral choices.
⚠ If housing them in an SPS tank, observe for any excessive coral damage, especially in smaller colonies.
Health and Disease Considerations
Citrine Gobies are hardy, but they can be vulnerable to:
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – Stress-related; quarantine new fish before introduction.
• Bacterial infections – Often caused by poor water quality or injuries.
• Malnutrition – Ensure they receive a high-protein diet with small, frequent feedings.
Keeping stable water conditions, offering a varied diet, and ensuring a stress-free environment will keep them healthy.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Citrine Gobies can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. Their vivid coloration, coral-perching behavior, and peaceful nature make them a fantastic choice for nano and reef aquariums.
Why Choose a Citrine Goby?
✔ Bright yellow coloration with faint blue markings – Visually striking.
✔ Prefers perching among corals, making it an interesting tank inhabitant.
✔ Hardy and adaptable, making them great for beginner and experienced aquarists.
✔ Can live in nano tanks, thriving in small or large reef systems.
✔ Reef-safe (with caution) – Minimal impact on most coral types.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying a Citrine Goby:
🚫 May nip at SPS coral polyps, particularly Acropora species.
🚫 Needs coral branches or rock structures for security – Does not burrow like other gobies.
🚫 Can be territorial toward other small gobies – Best kept singly or in bonded pairs.