Elacatinus puncticulatus (Red Head Goby / Redhead 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, finely chopped seafood)
• Be aware of: Acts as a cleaner fish, helping remove parasites from other fish. Can be territorial toward conspecifics unless kept as a bonded pair. Prefers rocky caves or coral rubble for shelter.
Red Head Goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus) – A Colorful and Hardy Cleaner Goby
The Red Head Goby, also known as the Redhead Goby, is a small yet striking marine fish native to the Eastern Pacific Ocean, including the Gulf of California, Mexico, and Ecuador. Recognized for its vivid red head and speckled body, this species is a peaceful and reef-safe addition to nano and community reef aquariums. Additionally, its natural cleaning behavior makes it beneficial in removing parasites from larger tank mates.
Appearance and Coloration
The Red Head Goby is visually distinct, featuring:
• A bright red head with subtle white and yellow markings.
• A slender body with dark spots, running from behind the head to the tail.
• A small, torpedo-like shape, perfect for hovering near rockwork.
• Transparent fins, blending seamlessly into the reef environment.
Their small size and bright head coloration make them a standout choice for nano reefs and peaceful marine tanks.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Gulf of California and Eastern Pacific reefs, Red Head Gobies are found near rocky crevices and coral rubble, where they:
• Establish cleaning stations, feeding on parasites and dead skin from other fish.
• Perch near caves or overhangs, darting out to interact with passing fish.
• Form monogamous pairs in the wild, often occupying a shared territory.
• Are peaceful but may be territorial toward their own kind if kept in small spaces.
In captivity, they retain their cleaning behavior, often seen perching on rocks while waiting for fish to approach.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Red Head Gobies are resilient and easy to care for, thriving in small and large reef tanks alike.
• Minimum tank size: 40L+ (75L+ recommended for pairs or small groups)
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate to strong
• Filtration: Good-quality filtration and regular water changes to maintain stable water conditions.
A tank with live rock, caves, and crevices will help them feel secure. Unlike burrowing gobies, they prefer solid surfaces to perch on rather than digging in the sand.
Diet and Feeding
Although Red Head Gobies help clean parasites from other fish, they still require a consistent 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) – Encourages natural feeding behavior.
Feed once or twice daily, ensuring they receive enough food before more aggressive fish outcompete them.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Red Head Gobies are peaceful and community-friendly, making them great for:
✔ Tangs, Angelfish, Wrasses, Blennies, and Firefish.
✔ Other small reef fish, such as Clownfish and Basslets.
✔ Reef-safe invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and crabs.
Avoid housing with:
❌ Large, aggressive fish (e.g., Triggers, aggressive Dottybacks, or large Wrasses) that may harass them.
❌ More than one Red Head Goby in a small tank, unless they are a bonded pair.
❌ Fast-feeding fish, as Red Head Gobies may struggle to compete for food.
If keeping a pair or small group, introduce them at the same time to prevent territorial disputes.
Cleaning Behavior and Tank Benefits
Red Head Gobies are one of the few marine fish that actively clean tank mates, where they:
• Remove parasites and dead skin, reducing stress and disease risks in the tank.
• Help larger fish feel comfortable, often perching on them momentarily.
• Do not rely solely on cleaning for food, meaning they must be fed separately.
While they perform cleaning behaviors, they do not replace the need for quarantine or parasite prevention in marine tanks.
Health and Disease Considerations
Red Head Gobies are hardy, but they can be vulnerable to:
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – Though they clean other fish, they can still contract parasites.
• Bacterial infections – Often caused by injuries from aggressive tank mates.
• Malnutrition – Ensure they receive enough food beyond their cleaning role.
To maintain their health:
✔ Provide a varied diet rich in protein and vitamins.
✔ Ensure stable water parameters with good filtration.
✔ Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Red Head Gobies can live up to 3-5 years in captivity. Their small size, bright coloration, and cleaner fish behavior make them a highly desirable nano reef fish.
Why Choose a Red Head Goby?
✔ Bright red head with a speckled body – Visually striking.
✔ Acts as a cleaner fish, removing parasites from tank mates.
✔ Hardy and adaptable, making them great for beginner and experienced aquarists.
✔ Can live in nano tanks, thriving in small or large reef systems.
✔ Completely reef-safe, with no risk to corals or invertebrates.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying a Red Head Goby:
🚫 May be territorial toward conspecifics – Best kept singly or in a bonded pair.
🚫 Small size makes them vulnerable to predation – Avoid keeping with large aggressive fish.
🚫 Does not fully prevent parasites in a tank – Quarantine and proper disease prevention are still necessary.