Engineer Goby

Description

Pholidichthys leucotaenia

Also commonly referred to as ‘Engineer Gobies’ as Juveniles, these fish are actually in a separate family from the gobies and blennies. Throught the life of this fish the color variations can be dark blue to black on white. As a juvenile, the markings are horizontal, running the length of the body. With age, they become vertical bands. As juveniles they Swim in tight formation to look like a single large body and mimic the venomous striped catfish Plotosus lineatus lacking the ‘whiskers’ found on their venemous look alike. Convict blennies are found in shallow lagoons and coastal reefs in schools under ledges or coral heads. They should be kept in an aquariume of 70 gallons or larger with a sand covered bottom where it can make burrows under the rockwork. It requires peaceful tank mates and does better in small groups or pairs as long as they are introduced into the tank at the same time.

Maximum Size: the Pholidichthys leucotaenia grows up to 13.5 inches.

Minimum Tank Size: The Engineer Goby prefers a tank of at least 70 gallons with plenty of places to hide & swim.

Diet: The Pholidichthys leucotaenia is a carnivore and likes to eat fresh or frozen seafood, Mysis Shrimp, and mysid shrimp. It should be fed at least twice per day..

Level of Care: The Engineer Goby is a low maintenance fish.

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

Hardiness: This is a hardy fish.

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

Range: Indian Ocean.

Breeding: Able to breed.