Violet Goby (Gobioides broussoneti)

From The Aquarium Wiki
Revision as of 12:08, 29 September 2015 by Catxx (talk | contribs) (Pictures)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to: navigation, search

Violet Goby

Gobioides broussonnetii - Gobie violet - Aqua Porte Dorée 13.JPG
Violet Goby

Gobioides broussoneti

246 Litres (65 US G.)

50-64 cm (19.7-25.2")

pH

7.2 - 8.6

20 -28 °C (68-82.4°F)

10-30 °d

1:1 M:F

Omnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

8-12 years

Family

Gobiidae



Additional names

Dragon Eel, Dragon Fish

Additional scientific names

Amblyopus broussonetii, Amblyopus brasiliensis, Gobius oblongus, Cepola unicolor, Gobioides barreto, Amblyopus mexicanus, Cayennia guichenoti, Gobioides broussonnetii


Origin

Brackish marshes and estuaries near river deltas throughtout the Atlantic Coast of North, Central and South America.

Sexing

Very difficult to sex visually, however, males will become more territorial as they mature.

Tank compatibility

Best kept in a brackish species tank, one to a tank, or possibly with top-dwelling peaceful brackish fish. May be bullied by more aggressive bottom dwellers, or bother peaceful ones. Should not pose a threat to smaller fish as long as its kept well fed.

Multiples may be kept together in large aquariums. Some territorial fighting will occur but the fighting non-damaging.

Diet

Fry are omnivores and will eat algae-based flake food, freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp, and flakes. Adults prefer frozen or live food with occasional vegetarian supplements.

Feeding regime

These fish are filter feeders, so it is not uncommon to see one eat a chunk of sand, and then spit the sand through the gills, swallowing any food that may have been in the sand.

Environment Specifics

Although Brackish by nature, many people report that the fish can slowly be acclimated to marine and freshwater, they do best with at least 10% to 50% marine strength salt in their water. They do very poorly in long-term freshwater habitats. They also require a cave or rock formation to call their own and a soft sand substrate. They can be sensitive to water temperature changes which can make them more susceptible to disease.

Behaviour

The Dragon Goby is a peaceful scavenger, despite it's fierce looks, large mouth, and many teeth. If well fed, should not bother smaller fish. The Dragon Goby should only be kept with peaceful fish as has poor eyesight and may be bullied by more boisterous fish.

Identification

An unusual and almost prehistoric looking fish. It is a very elongate eel-like fish with a large mouth and small eyes. It is iridescent silver in colour with purple-blue hues and some dark vertical bars visible. The dorsal fin is long and translucent with thick spines.

Pictures

Videos

External links