Elacatinus multifasciatus (Greenbanded 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 (frozen mysis/brine shrimp, marine pellets, finely chopped seafood)
• Be aware of: Peaceful and social, often found in pairs or small groups. May exhibit territorial behavior towards conspecifics in confined spaces. Prone to jumping, so a secure lid is essential.
Greenbanded Goby (Elacatinus multifasciatus) – A Vibrant and Hardy Nano Reef Inhabitant
The Greenbanded Goby is a small, colorful, and peaceful fish that makes an excellent addition to nano and reef aquariums. Its distinctive green bands and active nature add visual interest and dynamic behavior to any marine setup. This species is also known for its ease of care, making it suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists.
Appearance and Coloration
The Greenbanded Goby is characterized by:
• Bright green circular bands along its body, contrasting with an olive-green background.
• Red stripes extending from the snout, through the eye, to the back of the head.
• Slender, elongated body reaching up to 5 cm (2 inches) in length.
This vibrant coloration makes the Greenbanded Goby a standout species in any aquarium.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
Originating from the Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea, the Greenbanded Goby inhabits coral reefs and rocky substrates, where it:
• Lives in small groups or pairs, often within crevices or among coral branches.
• Exhibits diurnal activity, being most active during daylight hours.
• Feeds primarily on small invertebrates and zooplankton.
In the aquarium, they are known for their peaceful demeanor and can often be seen perching on rocks or corals, observing their surroundings.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
To ensure the well-being of the Greenbanded Goby:
• Minimum tank size: 40 liters (10 gallons); larger tanks (75L+) are recommended for pairs or groups.
• Substrate: A mix of live rock and sandy areas to provide hiding spots and foraging grounds.
• Water parameters:
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: Specific gravity of 1.020–1.025
A secure lid is essential, as these gobies are known to jump, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
As carnivores, Greenbanded Gobies thrive on a varied diet:
• Primary foods: Frozen mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
• Supplementary foods: High-quality marine pellets and flakes.
Feed once or twice daily, ensuring that food reaches their preferred perching areas.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Greenbanded Gobies are generally peaceful and can coexist with a variety of tank mates:
• Suitable companions: Other small, non-aggressive fish such as clownfish, blennies, and other gobies.
• Invertebrates: Reef-safe shrimp, snails, and crabs.
Avoid housing with:
• Large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or prey upon them.
• Multiple males in small tanks, as they may exhibit territorial behavior.
Providing ample hiding spots can help mitigate potential territorial disputes.
Breeding and Reproduction
In captivity, Greenbanded Gobies have been successfully bred:
• Spawning: Typically occurs in crevices or small caves, where eggs are deposited.
• Parental care: Males guard and aerate the eggs until they hatch.
Raising the fry can be challenging and may require separate rearing tanks and specialized foods.
Health and Disease Considerations
Greenbanded Gobies are hardy but can be susceptible to common marine ailments:
• Marine Ich: Prevented through proper quarantine procedures and maintaining stable water conditions.
• Stress-related illnesses: Minimized by providing adequate hiding spots and avoiding aggressive tank mates.
Regular monitoring and maintaining high water quality are crucial for their well-being.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, these gobies can live up to 3–5 years in captivity. Ensuring a suitable environment, diet, and compatible tank mates will promote a healthy and active life.
Why Choose a Greenbanded Goby?
• Vibrant coloration: Their bright green bands add a splash of color to any marine setup.
• Peaceful temperament: Suitable for community reef tanks.
• Hardy nature: Adaptable and well-suited for both novice and experienced aquarists.
• Small size: Ideal for nano tanks and larger reef systems alike.
Important Considerations Before Purchase:
• Jumping tendency: Ensure the aquarium has a secure lid.
• Territorial behavior: May occur among conspecifics in confined spaces; provide ample hiding spots.