Amblygobius phalaena
| Identification | Depending on geographical location its coloration may slightly vary from light gray to an almost jet black |
|---|---|
| Maximum Length | attain a size usually no greater than 5 inches. |
| Origin | They are widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific . |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 Gallon |
| Reef Compatibility | Usually not considered a threat to sessile invertebrates, but may attack zoanthids. |
Behavior
A sand sifting goby. will take big mouthfuls of substrate and sift it through its gills looking for food. It is easily attainable but should be provided with caves where it can retreat for it is often initially quite shy. It should be noted that this particular goby seems to do better in aquariums with a good quantity of filamentous algae. There have been reports of these animals starving after they have cleared all of the algae from its aquarium. They should be provided with some greens as well as various prepared foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and flake food.
Diet & Feeding
Varied diet including small crustaceans, such as vitamin enriched live and frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp as well as frozen preparations for herbivores. In the wild, eats large quantities of algae.
Cautions
Does not fair well in aquariums that do not have a live sand bed. It should also be noted that sessile invertebrates such as feather dusters or colonial polyps may be covered with sand if placed near the goby’s cave.