Black-Ray Goby
(Stonogobiops nematodes)
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The black-ray goby or Stonogobiops nematodes
belongs to family Gobiidae.
The black-ray is endemic to the western region of the
Indo-pacific. It inhabits the sandy ocean floors and rocky outcroppings
off the shores of the Philippines and Indonesia in depths ranging from
15 to 30 meters.
This
species
of goby has a
slender, elongated, white body with
black vertical markings. Its head is yellow and its fins are
translucent. This is a smaller marine species. It only obtains a length
of about two inches when fully grown.
The saltwater
aquarium
industry also markets this species under the
following names; black-ray shrimp
goby, black-ray prawn goby, and
high-fin prawn goby. You will notice
that each of these names contains
a reference to a crustacean in them. This is because of their symbiotic
relationship with Randall’s shrimp and pistol (candy-striped)
shrimp.
These shrimp will share a burrow with a goby couple to help protect
each other. It is recommended to add two species rather than one to
your reef tank.
A word
of
caution: Pistol
shrimp do not share the benign nature of
their roommates. Pistols will exhibit predatory behavior toward most
other smaller species of shrimp.
These little
guys are
docile to the point of being timid. They are
considered completely benign and pose
absolutely no threat to your
typical inhabitants of a marine reef aquarium.
They are so shy that
they will instinctively seek shelter when first introduced to their new
environment. It may take them weeks to work up the nerve to leave their
sanctuary and begin to explore their new surroundings. They display
their aggression by opening their mouths really wide and yawning at
their would-be assailant. If that doesn’t scare the
bee-geebies out of
their confronter they will turn tell and run. The only thing that
initiates an aggressive streak in these little guys is attempting to
keep to males together in a smaller aquarium. Black-rays make the
perfect tank mates for more fragile species like seahorses and
pipefish.
These gobies
are bottom
dwellers. They have the tendency to burrow
into sandy substrate to hide when frightened. You will therefore want
to use sand as your substrate. They should also be provided with other
hiding places on the aquarium floor. Avoid overcrowding your reef tank
with bottom dwellers. You don’t want them to have to compete
for hiding
places and food.
Black-ray
gobies are
primarily carnivorous fish. They can be fed
vitamin enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and frozen meat-based
foods prepared for marine fish. They can also be fed small amounts of
finely chopped up seafood from your grocer. They have been known to eat
algae on occasion. This may be to satisfy a nutritional requirement not
found in their primary diet.
Between their
beautiful
coloration, benign temperament and their
symbiotic relationship with shrimp, these little reef fish are in high
demand among saltwater aquarists. Mated pairs are a rare find.
Black-rays
are monogamous by nature. It is best to keep a couple. A single goby
will not feel at home in your aquarium.
Environmental Parameters
Temperature
|
pH Level |
Specific Gravity |
72-78
°F |
8.1-8-4 |
1.020-1.025 |
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Saltwater & Marine
Reef
Fish Care & Breeding Guide
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Exotic-Aquariums.com
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