Engineer Goby Care
Introduction
The engineer goby (Trimma tevegae) is a small fish that lives in coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean. They are named after their ability to build and maintain nests out of coral rubble. Engineer gobies are important members of the reef community, as they help to create habitat for other fish and invertebrates.
Habitat
Engineer gobies are found in shallow water coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean. They typically live in areas with a lot of coral rubble and other debris. They build their nests in crevices or under ledges in the coral.
Diet
Engineer gobies are carnivores and eat a variety of small invertebrates. They will eat anything that they can fit into their mouths, including worms, crustaceans, and mollusks.
Reproduction
Engineer gobies are sexually reproducing animals. They form monogamous pairs and mate for life. The female lays her eggs in the nest that the male has built. The male then guards the eggs until they hatch.
Lifespan
Engineer gobies have a lifespan of about 5 years.
Distribution
Engineer gobies are found in coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean. They are most common in the Philippines, but they can also be found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Conservation status
Engineer gobies are not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species. However, their populations are declining due to habitat loss and degradation. Coral reefs are being destroyed by a variety of human activities, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Care in captivity
Engineer gobies can be kept in captivity in a saltwater aquarium. They require a tank that is at least 10 gallons in size and has a lot of live rock and hiding places. The water temperature should be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit and the salinity should be between 1.020 and 1.025. Engineer gobies are also very territorial, so it is important to provide them with enough space.
Feeding
Engineer gobies should be fed a diet of live or frozen food. They will eat a variety of foods, including worms, crustaceans, and mollusks. It is important to offer them a variety of foods to ensure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.
Maintenance
Engineer gobies are relatively easy to care for in captivity. They are not as demanding as some other types of marine fish and can be kept in a variety of tank sizes. However, it is important to provide them with a tank that is large enough and has a lot of live rock and hiding places.
Common diseases
Engineer gobies are susceptible to a variety of common marine fish diseases, including ich, velvet, and bacterial infections. It is important to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank and to treat any diseases promptly.