
Eviota lachdeberei
Family: Gobiidae ยท Gobies
Also known as: Lachdebere's Pygmy Goby, Lachdebere's Dwarfgoby, Lachdebere Dwarfgoby
The Lachdebere Eviota is among the smallest vertebrate species available in the marine aquarium hobby, maxing out at a mere 0.9 inches. This diminutive member of the genus Eviota was first captive bred by Biota Marine Life, making it one of several micro-goby species brought into the aquarium trade through their pioneering breeding programs. Its semi-translucent body displays delicate patterns of red-orange and gold that are best appreciated under close observation in a nano reef aquarium.
In the wild, the Lachdebere Eviota inhabits sheltered reef zones among coral rubble, dead coral branches, and the bases of live coral colonies in the Western Pacific. It spends its time perching on hard surfaces and making short forays to capture passing micro-organisms. Like other Eviota species, it has a naturally short lifespan, typically living only one to two years even under optimal conditions. This brevity is offset by rapid maturity and frequent spawning.
For the dedicated nano reef enthusiast, the Lachdebere Eviota offers a window into the world of micro-vertebrate biology. A well-maintained nano tank with stable parameters, abundant live rock, and a thriving copepod population provides the ideal environment. These gobies are social and do well in small groups, provided adequate food resources are available to support multiple individuals.
Lachdebere Eviota are micro-predators feeding on tiny copepods, amphipods, and zooplankton. In captivity, provide live copepods, frozen cyclops, and baby brine shrimp. Their extremely small mouths require micro-sized food items. A refugium producing live pods is highly recommended.
Lachdebere Eviota must only be housed with other micro-sized peaceful species. Any fish over 2 inches in length may prey on them. Best kept in species-specific nano tanks or with other pygmy gobies, tiny shrimp, and snails.
Check CompatibilityLachdebere Eviota mature rapidly and spawn frequently. Pairs deposit tiny egg clutches on hard surfaces with the male providing parental care. Biota Marine Life achieved the first commercial captive breeding. Larvae are extremely small and require live rotifers as initial food.