{"product_id":"green-banded-goby-elacatinus-multifaciatum","title":"Green Banded Goby - Tigrigobius multifasciatus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Green Banded Goby is a diminutive Caribbean marine goby prized for its unusual coloration, peaceful temperament, and suitability for smaller reef aquariums. Its elongated olive-to-dark green body is crossed by numerous pale green vertical bands, while a brownish stripe passes through the eye and is interrupted by a vivid red accent. Despite reaching only about 2 inches as an adult, its intricate pattern and active perching behavior make it an eye-catching saltwater fish when kept with appropriately peaceful tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the western Atlantic, the species occurs from the Bahamas and Central America south toward northern South America. In nature it inhabits clear, shallow reef environments, including pitted limestone faces and tide pools, and is frequently associated with the protective spines of rock-boring sea urchins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe currently accepted scientific name is \u003cem\u003eTigrigobius multifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e. It has previously been widely listed in the aquarium trade as \u003cem\u003eElacatinus multifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e; the spelling \u003cem\u003eElacatinus multifaciatum\u003c\/em\u003e is not the accepted species name. This peaceful, reef-compatible goby is especially appealing for nano and smaller reef aquariums where its subtle behavior and detailed coloration can be appreciated up close.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 gallons\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 Western Atlantic – Bahamas and Central America to northern South America\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eTigrigobius multifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e (syn. \u003cem\u003eElacatinus multifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species reaches approximately 5 cm, or about 2 inches, in total length, making a properly established 10-gallon aquarium a suitable adult-size minimum.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide the Green Banded Goby with a mature saltwater aquarium containing plenty of live rock, small caves, crevices, and protected perching areas. Although tiny, this species benefits greatly from a complex aquascape where it can retreat quickly when startled and explore surfaces for small food items throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural association with limestone reef structure and sea urchin spines reflects its preference for tight shelter and protected spaces. An aquarium with mature rockwork also supports populations of copepods and other microfauna that can supplement prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo specialized substrate is required. A shallow sand bed or reef substrate works well, but rockwork and secure hiding places are more important than substrate depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate reef-style water movement is appropriate, with quieter areas available around caves and ledges. A secure lid is recommended because even very small gobies can escape through surprisingly narrow openings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Green Banded Goby should be offered small, protein-rich marine foods that are appropriately sized for its tiny mouth. Captive specimens readily accept both frozen and prepared dry foods when acclimated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable foods include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinely chopped frozen mysis shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnriched brine shrimp\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCopepods and other small zooplankton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCyclops and similar micro-crustaceans\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinely chopped marine seafood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall carnivore pellets or granules\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuality frozen plankton blends\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of its small body size and relatively small feeding capacity, one or two modest feedings per day are preferable to infrequent large meals. Newly introduced fish should be watched closely to ensure they are receiving food, especially when housed with faster or more assertive feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Green Banded Goby is \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful\u003c\/strong\u003e and best maintained with small, non-aggressive reef fish. ORA specifically describes the species as peaceful and recommends introducing it before more aggressive gobies when possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable tankmates include peaceful clownfish, firefish, small cardinalfish, peaceful blennies, small gobies, and other calm community species. Avoid large predatory fish or highly aggressive tankmates that may intimidate, outcompete, or consume such a small goby.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle specimens can be maintained successfully, and compatible individuals may also be kept together when adequate territory and shelter are available. The species is a protogynous hermaphrodite, with females capable of changing sex, and has been successfully bred in captivity. Aquarium reports also document specimens being maintained in small groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Green Banded Goby is considered \u003cstrong\u003ereef safe\u003c\/strong\u003e and is well suited to coral aquariums. It does not normally damage SPS corals, LPS corals, soft corals, zoanthids, clams, or common ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts small size and peaceful feeding behavior make it particularly appropriate for nano and mixed reef systems. The goby may consume copepods and other tiny organisms living within the rockwork, but this represents normal micro-predation rather than a significant threat to typical reef livestock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the goby itself is so small, compatibility concerns often work in the opposite direction: very large predatory crustaceans or fish may view the goby as prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°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\u003eStable salinity, temperature, and water quality are more important than repeatedly adjusting the aquarium to reach one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery small adult size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green Banded Gobies reach only about 2 inches, so avoid large or predatory tankmates that could view them as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvide abundant shelter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rock crevices and protected ledges replicate the tight refuges this species naturally uses around limestone reefs and sea urchins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatch feeding closely:\u003c\/strong\u003e Their small mouths and peaceful nature can make it difficult to compete with fast, aggressive feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcellent reef compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Their compact size and non-destructive behavior make them particularly suitable for smaller reef aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUpdated taxonomy:\u003c\/strong\u003e The currently accepted name is \u003cem\u003eTigrigobius multifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e; \u003cem\u003eElacatinus multifasciatus\u003c\/em\u003e is an older name still frequently encountered in the aquarium trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51253795717418,"sku":"GOBYxGrnBand","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/GreenBandedGoby.png?v=1786933551","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/green-banded-goby-elacatinus-multifaciatum","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}