Description
Red Head Goby – Elacatinus puncticulatus
Overview:
The Red Head Goby is a small, vibrant reef fish with a bright red head contrasting its slender, gray-blue body, often adorned with subtle white spots along its length. Part of the cleaner goby group, it exhibits fascinating behaviors such as picking parasites from larger fish in the wild. Its compact size and striking coloration make it an attractive addition to nano and reef aquariums.
Origin:
Native to the Eastern Pacific, particularly along the coasts of Central America and northern South America, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices.
Feeding:
Omnivorous – in captivity, it feeds on small meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality micro-pellets. Can also benefit from occasional algae supplementation.
Tank Mates:
Peaceful and reef-safe, ideal for community and reef tanks. It can coexist with other small, non-aggressive fish. Avoid housing with aggressive species that may outcompete it for food.
Aggression:
Low. Non-territorial and gentle, though may show minor site fidelity to a preferred rock or crevice.
Experience Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. Hardy and easy to care for in well-established aquariums with stable water parameters.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 74–79°F (23–26°C)
-
pH: 8.1–8.4
-
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
-
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
The Red Head Goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus) is a colorful, peaceful, and active cleaner-type goby that adds both visual interest and beneficial cleaning behavior to small and large reef setups alike.
