Masked Goby

Also known as the Caribbean Masked Goby or Glass Goby. 

The Masked Goby is a tiny, translucent reef fish recognized for its clear body, subtle coloration, and distinct dark mask across the eyes. Despite its small size, it is active, peaceful, and highly social, often schooling in groups in the wild. Their gentle nature and ability to adapt well to nano reefs make them an excellent choice for small and large aquariums alike.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Coryphopterus personatus
• Common Names: Masked Goby, Glass Goby, Caribbean Masked Goby
• Adult Size: 1–1.5 inches
• Lifespan: Several years with stable care
• Temperament: Peaceful, schooling, midwater-hovering
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Masked Gobies originate from the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, where they form loose schools hovering above coral heads or rocky reef structures. They prefer clear, warm waters with moderate flow.

Tank Environment:

• Provide live rock structures for shelter and resting areas
• Open swimming zones above the rockwork for natural schooling behavior
• Gentle to moderate water movement

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Masked Gobies are micro-carnivores that feed on zooplankton, tiny crustaceans, and suspended planktonic foods in the water column. In aquariums they readily consume small, nutritious foods.

Recommended Foods: 

• Copepods
• Baby brine shrimp
• Mysis shrimp (finely chopped)
• Micro-plankton and nano-reef foods
• High-quality micro-pellets

Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times per day with very small, plankton-sized foods that remain suspended in the water column.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Masked Gobies are peaceful and thrive in small groups. They spend much of their time hovering midwater above corals, retreating to rock crevices when frightened.

Tank Mates:

• Excellent with peaceful nano fish such as firefish, clown gobies, dartfish, small blennies, and other tiny gobies
• Safe with corals and reef invertebrates
• Avoid aggressive or fast, predatory fish that may outcompete or intimidate them

Breeding Potential

Masked Gobies have been observed spawning in captivity, laying eggs on hard surfaces guarded by the male. While spawning may occur in home aquariums, raising the tiny larvae is extremely challenging and requires specialized planktonic feeding and controlled conditions.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Masked Goby undergoes a full quarantine cycle where they are monitored, treated if necessary, and conditioned to eat a variety of tiny foods. This ensures they arrive strong, healthy, and fully ready to adapt to your home aquarium, offering peace of mind and a higher success rate for such a delicate, small-bodied reef species.