Hasselt's Goby (Asia Pacific)

The Hasselt�s goby is a unique and interesting fish. It is also called the flap-head goby after its oversized pectoral fins which it fans in front of its face in a flapping motion. It tends to do this strange behavior every few seconds making it quite entertaining to watch. Its fawn colored body is adorned in coffee colored stripes and bands with jagged edges, and an even darker spot is on the upper edge of its caudal fin. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 3 inches; we recommend an aquarium 30 gallons or larger.

Sand gobies are small, peaceful fish which spend most of their day hopping around on the substrate in an entertaining manner. A fine sand bed of at least two inches will help them feel secure.

We recommend the tank be securely covered as sand dwelling gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria. They may be territorial to others of the same or similar species, however if two fish are added to a sufficiently large aquarium at the same time it may be possible to keep a pair. They are typically peaceful with all other types of fish.

Sand gobies are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed more than once a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium. Frozen food is best, however in time they usually learn to eat dry foods.

As one of the largest families of fish there are near countless varieties of gobies which inhabit every different niche on the reef. They are coral safe and typically quite active and friendly with other fish. They have the ability to change sex to form pairs, although they don't always do so. Most gobies are imported from the Philippines.

Gobies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, etc.