Catalina Goby

Description

Lythrypnus dalli

This fish is for cold water tanks only and will NOT live in water temperatures higher than 74 degrees sucessfully; do not attempt to keep this fish unless you can keep the water cool. Lythrypnus dalli (Gilbert 1860), The Blue-Banded or Catalina Goby: This brilliant red and blue beauty is from off the two California’s Pacific coasts. It is not tropical, and will only live a short while in water in the upper seventies, eighties. It should not be sold as a warm-water organism. Why do I, should I mention this? It is an embarrassing sham in the trade, and a waste of resources. Endemic to Catalina Island, this brightly coloured fish is suitable for cooler aquariums (22-23 C). Intolerant to its own kind, Catalina Gobies do best in invertebrate set ups with lots of rockwork for nest building.

Maximum Size: the Lythrypnus dalli grows up to 1.5 inches.

Minimum Tank Size: The Catalina Goby prefers a tank of at least 20 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.

Diet: The Lythrypnus dalli is a carnivore and likes to eat brine & mysid shrimp and other meaty treats (a few times/day).

Level of Care: The Catalina Goby is a medium maintenance fish.

Behavior: The Catalina Goby may act peacefully toward other fish.

Water Conditions: Keep water quality high (SG 1.020 – 1.025, pH 8.1 – 8.4, Temp. 72 – 78 F).

Range: the Eastern Pacific.

Breeding: Able to breed.