Goby - Wardi Tiger

Ward's Tiger Goby (Elacatinus wardi), commonly known as the Wardi Goby. This is a small and colorful saltwater fish that's popular in the aquarium trade. Here's how to care for the Wardi Tiger Goby:

Aquarium Setup:

1. Tank Size: A tank with a capacity of at least 10 gallons is suitable for a single Wardi Tiger Goby.

2. Substrate: Provide a sandy substrate in the tank to mimic the goby's natural habitat. The substrate will allow the goby to sift through the sand for food and create burrows.

3. Live Rock: Incorporate live rock to create hiding spots and offer a natural environment for the goby.

4. Water Quality: Maintain stable water parameters including temperature (74-78°F or 23-26°C), salinity (1.020-1.025 specific gravity), pH (8.1-8.4), and low ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.

Feeding:

1. Diet: Wardi Tiger Gobies are carnivores. Provide a varied diet including high-quality marine pellets, frozen foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and copepods. Offering a variety of foods will ensure a balanced diet.

2. Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts multiple times a day. This reflects the goby's natural behavior of grazing throughout the day.

Behavior:

1. Cleaning Behavior: Wardi Tiger Gobies are known for their cleaning behavior, where they pick parasites off larger fish. However, in a home aquarium, they may not have the same opportunities to exhibit this behavior.

2. Social Behavior: These gobies can be territorial and may establish territories in your tank. If you plan to keep more than one, ensure the tank is large enough and well-structured to accommodate their territorial tendencies.

Tankmates:

1. Compatible Tankmates: Choose tankmates that are peaceful and not aggressive. Reef-safe fish and invertebrates are generally good options. Avoid larger, aggressive fish that might harass or prey on the goby.

Maintenance:

1. Regular Water Changes: Perform regular water changes to maintain water quality and remove excess nutrients.

2. Observation: Regularly observe the goby for any signs of disease, stress, or abnormal behavior.

Wardi Tiger Gobies are relatively hardy fish, but they still require appropriate care to thrive in a home aquarium. Always do thorough research on any species you're planning to keep and create an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat. Providing proper nutrition, water quality, and an enriched environment will contribute to the well-being of your Wardi Tiger Goby.