Goby- White Cap

The Whitecap Goby (Lotilia graciliosa) is a small, fascinating species known for its symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. Here are the care requirements for keeping Whitecap Gobies in a home aquarium:

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons for a single specimen, but larger tanks are preferable if housing with a pistol shrimp or other tank mates.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)

  • pH: 8.1-8.4

  • Salinity: 1.020-1.025

  • Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate: 0 ppm for ammonia and nitrite; less than 20 ppm for nitrate

Habitat Setup

• Live Rock: Provide plenty of live rock for hiding spots and to establish territories.

• Substrate: Fine sand substrate to accommodate their burrowing behavior and the activities of their symbiotic pistol shrimp.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient.

Feeding

• Diet: Whitecap Gobies are carnivorous. Offer a varied diet including:

  • Live or frozen brine shrimp

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Copepods

  • High-quality marine pellets or flakes

• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts to maintain their health and energy levels.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Generally peaceful and can be shy. They do well in a community tank with other peaceful species.

• Tank Mates: Suitable tank mates include other small, non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. They have a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp (such as Alpheus spp.), which is beneficial and interesting to observe.

• Symbiotic Relationship: Housing them with a pistol shrimp creates a fascinating symbiotic relationship where the shrimp digs and maintains a burrow shared with the goby, which acts as a lookout for predators.

Maintenance

• Regular Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (10-20% weekly) to maintain water quality.

• Filtration: Ensure strong filtration and good water circulation to maintain high water quality.

• Health Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of disease or stress, such as changes in appetite, color, or behavior.

Special Considerations

• Burrowing Behavior: Ensure the substrate is suitable for burrowing. Fine sand is ideal for both the goby and its symbiotic shrimp.

• Acclimation: Use a drip acclimation method to gradually introduce the fish to your tank's water parameters to avoid shock.

• Tank Cover: Ensure the tank has a secure cover, as gobies are known to jump, especially when startled.

By maintaining proper tank conditions and providing a suitable environment with potential symbiotic relationships, Whitecap Gobies can thrive and display their unique behaviors in your aquarium.