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Dragon Goby

Amblygobius phalaena

Family: Gobiidae · Gobies

Also known as: Banded Goby, Brownbarred Goby, Bullet Goby, Phalaena Goby

Max Size

Min Tank

30 gal

Lifespan

5-8 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Omnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Dragon Goby is one of the most popular and effective sand-sifting gobies in the marine aquarium hobby. Reaching up to 6 inches in length, this robust species features a striking pattern of vertical brown and white bars along its elongated body, with an oversized head and expressive eyes that give it a characterful appearance. Its common name derives from its somewhat dragon-like profile when viewed from the side, with its prominent jaw and bold banding pattern.

This species is prized by reef aquarists for its exceptional sand-sifting abilities. The Dragon Goby methodically works through the substrate, scooping large mouthfuls of sand and filtering them through its gill rakers to extract food particles. This constant activity keeps the sand bed clean, well-aerated, and free of detritus and cyanobacteria — a significant benefit that has earned the species a reputation as one of the best natural substrate cleaners available. Many hobbyists report a noticeable reduction in nuisance cyanobacteria after introducing a Dragon Goby.

Captive-bred Dragon Gobies are now available from several facilities, making this species more accessible and hardier in the home aquarium than ever before. Despite its larger size compared to other Amblygobius species, the Dragon Goby is remarkably peaceful and ignores corals and invertebrates entirely. A fine sand substrate of at least 2 inches depth is essential to support its natural sifting behavior.

Feeding & Diet

Omnivore

Dragon Gobies are omnivorous substrate sifters that extract tiny invertebrates, algae, diatoms, and organic detritus from sand. In captivity, supplement their natural foraging with frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and sinking pellets. A mature sand bed with healthy infauna is important for long-term nutrition.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulcommunity-safebottom-dweller

The Dragon Goby is very peaceful and compatible with nearly all reef-safe species. May become territorial toward other sand-sifting gobies sharing the same substrate. Best kept singly or as a mated pair. Can be housed with shrimp gobies without conflict as they occupy different niches.

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Breeding

Moderate

Dragon Gobies form monogamous pairs and excavate burrows in the sand substrate for spawning. The male guards the egg clutch until hatching. Captive breeding has been achieved commercially. Larvae are planktonic and require rotifers and copepod nauplii as initial foods.