Captive-Bred Red Head Goby - Elacatinus puncticulatus

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