Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon strangulatus)

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

The Black Clown Goby is a familiar sight in the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, often found among soft and hard coral colonies. Despite their small and stocky shape, they possess a relatively large head for their size. This species comes in various color variations, and the particular type described here is black in color. They are peaceful fish and make a delightful addition to a reef aquarium with polyp corals, as they enjoy swimming and hiding among the polyps. However, it's important to note that they may nip at the polyps of SPS corals.

For a comfortable habitat, the Black Clown Goby requires a 10-gallon or larger aquarium. They are generally non-aggressive towards other fish but may engage in fights with their own kind, especially in smaller tanks. In larger aquariums, a group can be introduced simultaneously, and if branching coral is present, they may form mated pairs. It is best to keep Clown Gobies with other docile species to ensure a harmonious tank environment.

In captivity, it is quite common for clown gobies to spawn. However, caution should be exercised if the aquarium contains Acropora sp. or similar SPS corals, as they may lay their eggs on the underside of the coral's branch, causing tissue recession in that area. Nonetheless, under favorable conditions, the affected coral usually regenerates the lost tissue.

As for their diet, the Black Clown Goby should be provided with a variety of foods such as brine shrimp, frozen mysis shrimp, table shrimp, and frozen food preparations specifically designed for carnivores.