Captive-Bred Red Head Goby - Elacatinus puncticulatus

Captive-Bred Red Head Goby - Elacatinus puncticulatus

$42.99
Sale price  $42.99 Regular price 
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Captive-Bred Red Head Goby - Elacatinus puncticulatus

Captive-Bred Red Head Goby - Elacatinus puncticulatus

$42.99
Sale price  $42.99 Regular price 
SKU: GOBYxRdHeadCB

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Diet
algae spirulina mysis shrimp brine shrimp
Min Tank Size 30 gallons
Temperament Peaceful
Reef Safe Yes
Care & Diet Feeding, nutrition, and best practices.

Diet Type: Omnivore

Diet and Feeding: It is beneficial to feed a primarily omnivorous, varied diet in captivity, as most aquarium species readily accept a mix of plant- and protein-based foods and would naturally graze on algae, biofilm, छोटे invertebrates, and detritus in the wild. The bulk of the diet should consist of high-quality spirulina-based flakes or pellets, algae wafers, nori, and other marine seaweeds, with supplemental offerings of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped crustaceans, and occasional frozen or gel foods to ensure balanced nutrition. Offering vegetable foods on a seaweed clip encourages natural foraging behavior, while sinking or slow-sinking pellets can be used to reach less assertive individuals. Feed small amounts once to twice daily, only as much as they will consume promptly, and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality and prevent digestive issues.

algae spirulina mysis shrimp brine shrimp
Behavior Temperament, activity level, and interactions.

Temperament: Peaceful

Captive specimens are typically adaptable swimmers that do best in a well-structured aquarium with ample open water for cruising plus sheltered areas and hiding spots to reduce stress. Temperament varies by species, but most captive-held fish are most manageable when housed in peaceful community settings, with conspecifics often showing either loose schooling behavior or mild territoriality depending on the group structure. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is a practical baseline for smaller species, though larger or more active forms require substantially more room, and visual barriers created by rockwork, plants, or decor help break lines of sight and curb chasing. They generally coexist well with reef-safe species and other nonaggressive tank mates, provided tankmates are chosen for compatible size and temperament. Dietary habits are commonly omnivorous, with captive individuals readily accepting prepared foods, frozen fare, and natural grazing opportunities such as algae, small invertebrates, or other meaty items depending on the species.

Tank & Aquascape Tank requirements and aquascaping tips.
Min Tank Size
30 gallons
Max Size
3 inches
Care Level
Easy
Origin
Eastern Pacific
Compatibility Tank mates, aggression, and introduction order.
Temperament
Peaceful
Reef Safe
Yes
Reef & Health Reef safety, common issues, and prevention.
Reef Safe
Yes
Care Level
Easy

Goes well with:

Description

Introduction to Captive-Bred Red Head Goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus)

The Captive-Bred Red Head Goby is a small, active reef fish known for its bright red head and slender body. As part of the cleaner goby group, these fish are often seen perching on rockwork or darting through the water column. Captive-bred individuals are especially hardy, adapt quickly to aquarium life, and readily accept prepared foods. Their small size and peaceful nature make them a great addition to nano and larger reef systems alike.


Care Requirements

Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Requires live rock for perching, hiding, and establishing territory

These gobies do well in a variety of setups and are particularly suited for established reef tanks with plenty of rockwork.


Diet & Nutrition

Captive-Bred Red Head Gobies are carnivorous and readily accept a variety of small foods.

Diet: Carnivorous – Small meaty foods

Recommended Foods:

  • Mysis shrimp (finely chopped if needed)
  • Brine shrimp
  • Copepods and other small live foods
  • High-quality nano pellets and frozen blends

Captive-bred specimens typically adapt quickly to prepared foods, making feeding much easier compared to wild-caught fish.


Lifespan & Growth Rate

Lifespan: 2–4+ years
Growth Rate: Slow – Typically reaches around 1.5–2 inches

They remain small and are ideal for tanks where space is limited.


Temperament & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe? Yes – Completely safe with corals and invertebrates

Red Head Gobies are excellent community fish and can often be kept in pairs or small groups in larger systems. They may also exhibit cleaning behavior with other fish.


Common Challenges & Considerations

  • Small Size: Can be intimidated by larger or aggressive tankmates
  • Jumping Risk: Should be kept in a covered aquarium
  • Frequent Feeding: Benefits from multiple small feedings per day
  • Shorter Lifespan: Compared to larger reef fish

Water Conditions

Temperature: 75–77°F
dKH (Alkalinity): 8–12
pH: 8.1–8.3
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026

Ships FREE with Corals

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Ships FREE with Corals

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