The Captive-Bred Sharknose Cleaner Goby (Elacatinus evelynae) is a small, striking marine aquarium fish recognized by its dark body and brilliant stripe that begins yellow across the head and transitions into electric blue along the body. Reaching only about 1.5–1.6 inches as an adult, this compact goby brings vivid color and fascinating natural behavior to reef aquariums without requiring a large footprint.
Native to the tropical Western Atlantic and Caribbean, Sharknose Gobies inhabit coral reef environments where they establish cleaning stations and remove ectoparasites from larger fish. This natural cleaner behavior can also be displayed in the aquarium, although the goby should still be provided with a complete captive diet rather than relying on tankmates for food.
Captive-bred Sharknose Gobies are especially well suited to peaceful reef and fish-only aquariums. Their small adult size, peaceful temperament, reef-safe behavior, and willingness to accept prepared frozen and dry foods make them an excellent choice for aquarists looking for an attractive and active cleaner goby.
Quick Care Guide
Care Level: Easy
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Region: Western Atlantic and Caribbean; Bahamas and Lesser Antilles south to the northern coast of South America
Scientific Name: Elacatinus evelynae
Tank Requirements
Provide a mature, stable saltwater aquarium with plenty of live rock, coral structure, caves, ledges, and crevices where the goby can perch, retreat, and establish a preferred cleaning station. In nature, this species is closely associated with coral heads, rock rubble, and large sponges.
Because Sharknose Cleaner Gobies spend much of their time perching rather than continuously swimming in open water, elaborate open swimming space is less important than having secure shelter and multiple elevated resting areas. Moderate water movement is appropriate, provided there are calmer areas where the fish can rest comfortably.
A secure lid or tightly covered aquarium is recommended for small gobies, and overflow entrances should be protected where practical. Their extremely small adult size can allow them to enter openings that would not present a problem for larger marine fish.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, Elacatinus evelynae functions as a cleaner fish and feeds heavily on ectoparasites removed from larger reef fishes. In captivity, however, it should receive regular prepared foods and should never be expected to survive solely by cleaning its tankmates.
Offer appropriately sized foods such as finely chopped mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, Calanus, small frozen marine blends, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality micro pellets or other small sinking foods. Captive-bred Sharknose Gobies generally accept both frozen and dry aquarium foods readily.
Feed small portions once or twice daily, making sure enough food reaches the goby before faster or more aggressive tankmates consume everything.
Temperament and Tankmates
The Sharknose Cleaner Goby is peaceful and works particularly well in community reef aquariums with non-aggressive tankmates. Larger reef fish may allow it to approach and perform its characteristic cleaning behavior, making it an interesting addition to established marine communities.
A single specimen is suitable for most aquariums, while a compatible or established pair may also be maintained. Wild Sharknose Gobies are frequently observed in pairs around cleaning stations.
Use more caution when housing multiple cleaner gobies or closely related species together in smaller aquariums, where limited territory can lead to competition. Avoid large predatory fish or aggressive species likely to view such a small goby as prey.
Reef Compatibility
Reef Safe: Yes.
The Sharknose Cleaner Goby is an excellent choice for reef aquariums. It does not normally damage corals, clams, or ornamental reef invertebrates and spends much of its time perched on rockwork or interacting with fish.
Its cleaner behavior may provide interesting interactions with larger tankmates, but it should not be viewed as a substitute for quarantine, disease prevention, or appropriate treatment of marine parasites.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
Stable, mature water conditions are more important than trying to maintain a single exact number within these ranges. Avoid rapid changes in salinity, temperature, or pH.
Common Considerations
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Very small adult size: Sharknose Gobies reach only about 1.5–1.6 inches, so choose peaceful tankmates that will not harass or prey upon them.
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Protect overflows and openings: Their small size allows them to enter surprisingly narrow overflow slots and plumbing openings.
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Provide regular prepared foods: Cleaning behavior does not eliminate the need for daily feeding.
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Secure the aquarium: A fitted lid is recommended to reduce the risk of escape.
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Cleaning is behavioral, not medical treatment: The goby may remove some external parasites from fish, but it should not be relied upon to control or cure aquarium disease.
