Elacatinus oceanops
The Blue Neon Goby, *Elacatinus oceanops*, is a captivating and beneficial addition to the home aquarium. This small, elongated goby is easily recognized by its striking electric blue stripe that runs horizontally from its snout, through the eye, and along its body to the base of its tail. The rest of its body is typically a dark brown or black.
Reaching a maximum size of approximately 2 inches in the aquarium, the Blue Neon Goby is well-suited for smaller tanks, with a minimum size of 10 gallons recommended. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them excellent tank mates for a variety of other small, docile fish and invertebrates.
One of the most notable characteristics of the Blue Neon Goby is its natural behavior as a cleaner fish. In the wild, they establish cleaning stations where they remove parasites and dead tissue from larger fish. This behavior can sometimes be observed in the home aquarium, adding an interesting dynamic to the tank.
The Blue Neon Goby is a carnivore and will readily accept a varied diet of small, meaty foods. Offerings should include high-quality frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and enriched frozen preparations designed for small marine fish. They may also accept high-quality marine flake or pellet food once acclimated.
While not typically bred in captivity by hobbyists, the Blue Neon Goby is hermaphroditic, meaning individuals possess both male and female reproductive organs. There are no readily apparent visual differences between the sexes.
The Blue Neon Goby is considered reef-safe and will not harm corals or other sessile invertebrates. They are generally hardy and adaptable, making them a good choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists. Provide plenty of live rock with crevices and hiding places, as they enjoy perching and seeking shelter.