{"product_id":"catalina-goby","title":"Catalina Goby","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Catalina Goby (\u003cem\u003eLythrypnus dalli\u003c\/em\u003e) is recognizable by a vivid red-orange body crossed by bright blue bars. Color and pattern may vary with age and individual condition. Use a temperature-controlled cool-water display. The Catalina Goby’s colors are tropical-looking, but its habitat is temperate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural range is Eastern Pacific, including southern California and Baja California. It is associated with temperate rocky reefs and crevices. It spends much of its time near shelter and makes short excursions to feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the aquarium, give the Catalina Goby a mature system with its own feeding area and a retreat suited to its behavior. Set up a cool-water display before introduction and choose tankmates with the same temperature needs. Prepare the permanent aquarium around its adult requirements even if the fish arrives small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Eastern Pacific, including southern California and Baja California\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eLythrypnus dalli\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse at least 20 gallons for long-term adult housing. The species reaches 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) based on published measurements. Choose a footprint that leaves enough room for the fish to use its shelter after the rocks are in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSet up a cool-water marine display with stable rock ledges and several small crevices. Test the temperature control during the warmest part of the day before adding the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose pumps and cooling equipment that keep the aquarium well oxygenated at a steady temperature. Keep the principal perches accessible for observation and feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintain a secure cover and stable rockwork.\u003c\/strong\u003e Close gaps at cable runs and plumbing. Check that rock is firmly supported, particularly where a burrow or shifting sand could undermine a piece. Leave a clear path around the shelter for feeding and routine maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse an established biological filter with steady circulation and surface agitation. Set up the main retreat before introducing the fish so it can find cover promptly. Balance circulation with a sheltered area where the fish can rest without continually swimming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserve how the fish uses the layout after introduction. The first shelter it selects may differ from the one you planned. Shift the feeding location to its actual retreat, and make sure there is another route to cover if a tankmate begins using the same area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Catalina Goby is a carnivore that takes small animal foods. Feed small marine foods near its preferred rock. Confirm that the fish maintains body condition and keeps using its shelter regularly between meals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotate suitable foods from these options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppropriately sized mysis or enriched brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely chopped marine shrimp or other marine seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced frozen marine carnivore preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall sinking marine pellets once accepted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer one or two small meals per day as a starting point. Adjust portions to the fish’s size and what it takes during each meal. Start with a few small particles near its shelter before feeding the rest of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerify that the fish swallows the food.\u003c\/strong\u003e An approach or a feeding strike does not establish how much it ate. Observe several meals, especially when a new fish stays under cover. A reluctant new arrival may respond first to small frozen or enriched live foods. Introduce complete preparations as feeding becomes consistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch for a pinched belly, repeated spitting, or a change in the fish’s usual feeding position. Try smaller particles or a second delivery point before increasing the total amount offered. Remove leftovers that collect under ledges or settle where the fish rarely feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose peaceful tankmates suited to the same cool temperature range. Give similar gobies separate territories and leave food available near more than one rock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Catalina Goby is generally peaceful toward unrelated fish. Most stocking problems appear when another fish can occupy the only retreat or reach every feeding location first. Give tankmates an alternate route and use rockwork to interrupt sight lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigns of a poor match include sustained chasing, fins held close to the body, and a fish that repeatedly misses meals or stays out of view during its usual active period. Offer food near an alternate shelter and monitor whether the fish resumes feeding. Use a divider or separate suitable housing if it continues to lose access to food or cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Catalina Goby is \u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/strong\u003e with corals and typical reef invertebrates. Provide enough space for its feeding route and shelter as coral colonies grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeliver portions the fish can take without allowing uneaten food to collect in the rockwork. In a mixed reef, keep feeding access open as colonies grow and maintain circulation around sheltered areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 62–70°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a fully cycled aquarium and keep ammonia and nitrite undetectable. Maintain steady specific gravity through top-off and match replacement saltwater during water changes. Monitor the cooling equipment during the warmest part of the day and after maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch how feeding affects nutrient levels over several days. Clean mechanical filtration before trapped food decomposes and siphon accessible debris. Keep oxygenation steady overnight and during warm weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablish a baseline for the fish’s activity, feeding response, and use of its retreat. A quiet or cryptic fish may still be feeding normally when approached at the right time of day. A marked change from that routine warrants a check of water quality, temperature, and tankmate behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide 20 gallons or more for adult housing. Up to 2.5 inches (6.4 cm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use a temperature-controlled cool-water display. The Catalina Goby’s colors are tropical-looking, but its habitat is temperate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start with one or two small meals per day. Confirm how much the fish swallows and track body condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShelter and Equipment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide suitable cover, secure the lid, and keep intakes safe for the fish’s size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmate Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose fish that leave access to food and a retreat. Check for repeated chasing or missed meals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Compatible with typical reef livestock. Keep feeding areas and shelters accessible as the aquarium matures.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Standard \/ S (.76-1\")","offer_id":52603584413994,"sku":"GOBxCatS","price":101.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ SM (1.1-1.25\")","offer_id":52603584446762,"sku":"GOBxCatSM","price":104.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ M (1.26-1.50\")","offer_id":52603584479530,"sku":"GOBxCatM","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ ML (1.51-1.75\")","offer_id":52603584512298,"sku":"GOBxCatML","price":113.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ L (1.76-2\")","offer_id":52603584545066,"sku":"GOBxCatL","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Standard \/ XL (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":52603584577834,"sku":"GOBxCatX","price":128.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Tank Raised \/ -","offer_id":53042645860650,"sku":"GOBxTrCat","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Catalina-Goby.png?v=1792506892","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/catalina-goby","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}