Yellow Clown Goby (Gobiodon okinawae)

Max Size: 1 1/2 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

The Yellow Clown Goby brings a cheerful and vibrant presence to any marine aquarium. Its active and peaceful nature makes it a delightful sight, often perched on live rock or coral out in the open or hovering in the water column for hobbyists to enjoy. Despite its small adult size of around 1-1/2", the Yellow Clown Goby's stocky shape and large head give it a quiet yet captivating presence in the home aquarium.

Originating from the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, specifically among soft and hard coral colonies, Gobiodon okinawae is well-suited for peaceful reef aquariums with polyp corals. In such setups, the Yellow Clown Goby will swim and perch among the polyps, making it a fascinating addition. However, caution is needed when housing it with SPS corals, as it may nip at smaller polyps.

To ensure the best care, single specimens of the Yellow Clown Goby should be housed in a 10-gallon or larger aquarium, preferably with branching coral to mimic its natural habitat. While it is not generally aggressive towards other fish, territorial disputes may occur among conspecifics, especially in smaller tanks. Therefore, keeping the Yellow Clown Goby with other docile species is recommended.

Breeding is common in the aquarium setting for the Yellow Clown Goby. However, caution should be taken if the tank contains Acropora sp. or similar SPS corals, as the female may lay her eggs on the underside of coral branches, leading to tissue recession. With proper conditions, the affected coral can regenerate lost tissue.

The diet of the Yellow Clown Goby should consist of a variety of foods, including brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations suitable for carnivores. Providing a diverse diet will support the goby's health and well-being.