Catalina Goby - Eastern Pacific

Lythrypnus dalli


(1 Reviews)

Catalina Goby - Eastern Pacific
Adorned with striking blue and orange bands, the Catalina Goby is a captivating sight in any saltwater aquarium. Easy to care for and peaceful, its perfect for nano reef tanks.

Catalina Goby - Eastern Pacific

Lythrypnus dalli


(1 Reviews)

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Catalina Goby - Eastern Pacific Care Facts

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Max Size: 2 inches
The Catalina Goby, Lythrpnus dalli, features a bright red slender body punctuated by electric blue vertical stripes with clear fins. They are very peaceful and can be housed with other peaceful fish in a reef tank setting, but may become territorial towards other blennies, gobies or dartfish in smaller tanks. However, they are rated as expert only due to the fact that they can be difficult to acclimate, and very sensitive, requiring an established set up.

Gobies tend to stay mainly towards the bottom of the tank, burrowing and sifting through the sand. Diet should include a variety of frozen or live mysis shrimp and vitamin enriched brine shrimp 1-2 times daily.


Discover the Captivating Catalina Goby: A Splash of Color for Your Aquarium

The Catalina Goby (Lythrypnus dalli) is a fascinating and vibrant species that captivates saltwater marine aquarium enthusiasts with its unique characteristics and striking appearance. This comprehensive product description will delve into various aspects of keeping the Catalina Goby, offering valuable insights into its habitat, compatibility, tank requirements, and more.

Habitat of the Catalina Goby : Embracing the Pacific Coast Vibes

The Catalina Goby is native to the Pacific Coast of North America, specifically found in the waters off California, including Catalina Island. Its natural habitat comprises rocky shores and tide pools with crevices and caves, providing the perfect refuge for this species. Understanding and replicating this environment in captivity is crucial for the well-being of Catalina Goby.

Reef Safety of the Catalina Goby: A Harmonious Reef Resident

Known for its reef-safe nature, the Catalina Goby is an excellent choice for reef aquariums. It coexists harmoniously with corals and other invertebrates, making it a desirable addition for hobbyists who wish to maintain a thriving reef ecosystem.

Size and Lifespan of the Catalina Goby: Petite Beauty with Longevity

With an average size of around 2 inches, the Catalina Goby is a petite species that adds color to your aquarium. In captivity, they can live up to 3 to 5 years with proper care, making them a relatively long-lived species in the aquarium hobby.

Diet of the Catalina Goby in Captivity: Savoring Small Marine Delicacies

Feeding the Catalina Goby is relatively straightforward as they accept a variety of small marine foods. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of high-quality flake food, frozen or live brine shrimp, and other suitable small-sized marine fare.

Aquaculture and Availability of the Catalina Goby: Rarity Adds to the Allure

The Catalina Goby is not commonly aquacultured, making it a sought-after species among hobbyists. Limited availability adds to the allure of owning this species, making it a unique addition to your aquarium.

Compatibility of the Catalina Goby with Other Fish and Invertebrates: A Peaceful Presence

This species is known for its peaceful demeanor, making it compatible with various tank mates. However, care should be taken to avoid aggressive or large species that may intimidate or outcompete the Catalina Goby.

Sexual Dimorphism of the Catalina Goby: Subtle Clues in Behavior

The Catalina Goby exhibits minimal sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying similar coloration and markings. This makes it challenging to visually differentiate between the sexes without observing their behavior during breeding.

Juvenile to Adult Coloration Changes: A Visual Transformation

Juvenile Catalina Gobies often exhibit subdued coloration, which becomes more vibrant as they mature. Adults display a striking combination of blue, orange, and yellow hues, creating a visually appealing spectacle in your aquarium.

Temperament of the Catalina Goby : Calm and Non-aggressive

Known for their calm and non-aggressive temperament, Catalina Gobies are suitable for community aquariums. Their peaceful nature makes them an ideal choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists.

Tank Requirements for the Catalina Goby : Creating a Home for Catalina Gobies

To ensure the well-being of Catalina Gobies, a minimum aquarium size of 20 gallons is recommended. Provide ample hiding spaces with live rock arrangements to mimic their natural habitat. Maintain stable water conditions and parameters to promote a healthy environment.

Water Conditions for the Catalina Goby: Maintaining Optimal Parameters

Maintaining specific water conditions is crucial for the well-being of the Catalina Goby. Aim for a pH level between 8.1 and 8.4, a salinity range of 1.020 - 1.025, a water temperature around 72°F - 78°F, and moderate water flow.

Common Names for the Catalina Goby: Two-spot Goby and Blue-banded Goby

The Catalina Goby is also known by the common names Two-spot Goby and Blue-banded Goby, reflecting its distinctive markings and coloration.

Five Compatible Tank Mates for the Catalina Goby: Building a Harmonious Community

Enhance your aquarium community with these five compatible tank mates:

  1. Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica): Adds visual interest and coexists peacefully.
  2. Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto): A visually striking addition to the community.
  3. Clownfish (Amphiprion spp.): Known for their peaceful nature and vibrant colors.
  4. Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis): Provides a cleaning service and complements the Goby's temperament.
  5. Neon Goby (Elacatinus spp.): Adds diversity and thrives in a peaceful community setup.

Why Choose Saltwaterfish.com: Ensuring Quality and Expert Care

When considering where to purchase your Catalina Goby, Saltwaterfish.com stands out as a reliable source. Their commitment to quality, extensive selection, and expert care ensures you receive a healthy and vibrant specimen for your aquarium.

The Catalina Goby: Adding Tranquility and Color to Your Aquarium

In conclusion, the Catalina Goby is a captivating addition to saltwater marine aquariums, bringing a burst of color and tranquility to your underwater ecosystem. Understanding their unique requirements and providing a suitable environment will contribute to the well-being and longevity of these remarkable marine inhabitants.

I've had Catalina Goby: Tank Raised for about a week and he's doing great. For the first few days I didn't see him at all, but now he makes appearances pecking at algae and darting in and out of the rocks and caves. Nice colors and appears healthy.


Reviewed by: Jason Darrow on Sept. 12, 2021

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