Green Clown Goby (Gobiodon histrio)
What is its maximum size?
The Green Clown Goby grows to approximately 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 inches) in length. It is a small, peaceful fish that spends much of its time perched among coral branches. Despite its small size, it benefits from a mature, stable aquarium with plenty of hiding places and suitable feeding opportunities.
Where is its origin and where is it exported from?
The Green Clown Goby originates from the tropical Indo-Pacific region, including areas around Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Great Barrier Reef and other western Pacific islands. It is commonly found living among branching corals on shallow tropical reefs. Specimens entering the aquarium trade may be exported from countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines, depending on collection and supply sources.
Is it reef compatible?
Yes, the Green Clown Goby is generally considered reef compatible with caution. It is often kept in reef aquariums and typically leaves most corals and invertebrates alone. However, it naturally associates with branching corals, particularly Acropora, and may nip at coral tissue or irritate coral polyps, especially when breeding or establishing a territory. This can be a concern in aquariums containing delicate or valuable small-polyp stony corals.
What should I feed it?
Feed a varied diet of small meaty foods, including enriched frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, copepods and other appropriately sized marine foods. High-quality small marine pellets and finely sized frozen preparations may also be accepted.
Because of its tiny mouth, offer small food particles and ensure that food reaches the areas where it perches. Newly introduced specimens can be shy and may struggle to compete with larger, faster fish, so target feeding may be necessary. Feed small portions once or twice daily, adjusting according to its appetite and body condition.
How many can I keep?
The Green Clown Goby can be kept singly or, in a suitably sized aquarium, as a compatible pair. It may become territorial towards other clown gobies, especially around preferred coral branches or breeding sites. Multiple individuals require sufficient space and suitable territories, and aggression should be monitored.
Pairs may form and breed in captivity. However, introducing several individuals into a small aquarium can result in territorial disputes, particularly if hiding places are limited.
How compatible is it with other fish?
The Green Clown Goby is generally peaceful and suitable for community reef aquariums with other small, non-aggressive marine fish. Compatible tank mates may include clownfish, small gobies, firefish and peaceful wrasses, provided the aquarium is appropriately stocked.
Avoid large predatory fish and aggressive species that may intimidate or eat this tiny goby. It should also be monitored carefully when housed with fast-feeding fish, as it may struggle to compete for food.
Water parameters
- Temperature: 24–27°C
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Specific gravity (salinity): 1.023–1.026
- Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Keep as low as practical through efficient filtration and regular water changes.
- Filtration: Good biological filtration, stable water quality and gentle to moderate circulation are recommended.