BeginnerPeacefulReef SafeIUCN: Not Evaluated
Yellow Clown Goby
Gobiodon okinawae
Family: Gobiidae · Nano Fish
Also known as: Okinawa Goby, Yellow Coral Goby, Yellow Goby
(c) Rachael Kaiser, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Max Size
1.5"
Min Tank
10 gal
Lifespan
3-5 years
Origin
Western Pacific, Japan
Diet
Carnivore
Swims
Bottom
Did You Know?
- Yellow Clown Gobies can change sex from male to female depending on social hierarchy — the dominant individual in a pair becomes the female
- Their toxic mucus coating is so effective that most predatory fish will spit them out immediately after tasting them
- Despite their tiny size, Yellow Clown Gobies are fiercely territorial about their chosen coral head and will boldly confront fish many times their size that approach too closely
About
The Yellow Clown Goby is one of the most popular and widely available nano reef fish, prized for its vivid, uniform lemon-yellow coloration and charming personality. At a maximum size of just one and a half inches, this tiny goby is perfectly suited for nano reef aquariums as small as 10 gallons. Its rotund, almost comically chubby body shape and bright coloration make it an eye-catching addition to any reef tank, where it typically perches among the branches of SPS corals like a miniature yellow ornament.
In the wild, Yellow Clown Gobies have an intimate association with branching Acropora corals, where they live among the branches and rarely venture far from their host colony. They secrete a toxic mucus coating that provides protection from predators and may also help defend their host coral from certain coral-feeding organisms. In the aquarium, they will readily adopt branching SPS corals as homes, though they will also perch on rockwork, equipment, and other tank surfaces if no suitable coral is available.
This species is an outstanding choice for beginner marine aquarists due to its hardiness, peaceful nature, and willingness to accept a variety of prepared foods. Multiple Yellow Clown Gobies can be kept together in larger tanks, as they are social and generally tolerant of conspecifics. They are protandrous hermaphrodites, beginning life as males, with the dominant individual in a pair transitioning to female. Bonded pairs will spawn regularly on coral branches or smooth surfaces, making this species one of the more breedable nano marine fish. Their only drawback is a tendency to cause minor tissue recession on SPS coral branches where they perch and deposit eggs.
Feeding & Diet
Carnivore
Yellow Clown Gobies are micro-carnivores that feed on tiny zooplankton, copepods, and coral mucus in the wild. In captivity, they readily accept frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, marine pellets, and finely chopped frozen preparations. Their small mouths require appropriately sized food particles. Feed two to three times daily in small portions.
Compatibility
reef-safepeacefulnano-compatiblecoral-dwellerbeginner-friendlygroup-compatible
The Yellow Clown Goby is extremely peaceful and poses no threat to any tankmates. Its tiny size makes it vulnerable to predation by larger or aggressive fish. Best housed with other nano-appropriate species such as small gobies, blennies, firefish, and clownfish. Avoid housing with dottybacks, hawkfish, or any fish large enough to consume it. Multiple specimens can be kept together without significant aggression.
Check CompatibilityBreeding
Moderate
Yellow Clown Gobies are protandrous hermaphrodites, beginning life as males with the dominant fish in a pair becoming female. Pairs spawn on the branches of SPS corals or on smooth tank surfaces, clearing a small area for egg deposition. The male guards the eggs until hatching, which takes approximately 5 to 7 days. Larvae are small and require rotifers and copepod nauplii for the first weeks of life. Pairs will spawn frequently once established.
Special Requirements
- Ideal for nano reef aquariums of 10 gallons or larger
- Prefers branching SPS corals for perching, especially Acropora
- May cause minor tissue recession on SPS corals at perching and egg-laying sites
- Tiny size makes it vulnerable to predation — choose tankmates carefully
- Can be kept in small groups in larger aquariums
- Secretes protective toxic mucus coating
Water Parameters
Temperature72–82°F
Specific Gravity1.02–1.026 sg
pH8–8.4
Alkalinity8–12 dKH
Coloration
yellowlemon yellow
Tags
reef-safepeacefulnano-compatiblecoral-dwellerbeginner-friendlygroup-compatible
