Circus Goby

Also known as the Black Barred Convict Goby or Circus Convict Goby.

The Circus Goby is a tiny, peaceful reef fish with a pale body covered in clear vertical dark bars. They stay very small, remain close to the rockwork, and prefer to hide in crevices and rubble. Their calm nature, simple care, and ability to adapt well to nano and small reef tanks make them suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Priolepis nocturna
• Common Names: Circus Goby, Black Barred Convict Goby, Circus Convict Goby
• Adult Size: 1.5–2 inches (3.5–5 cm)
• Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, bottom-dwelling
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Circus Gobies are native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs, where they hide among rubble, crevices, and rock formations. They prefer sheltered reef zones with calm to moderate water movement.

Tank Environment:

• Provide plenty of rockwork, caves, and crevices for hiding
• Use sand or mixed substrate since they stay close to the bottom
• Moderate water flow and stable, mature tank conditions

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Circus Gobies are carnivorous and feed on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. In aquariums they accept small meaty foods.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and small zooplankton
• Finely chopped marine meats
• Small pellets or micro-flakes for carnivores

 Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times a day in very small portions. Ensure food reaches them, as they can be outcompeted by faster fish.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Circus Gobies are peaceful, timid, and prefer to stay near the rockwork. They are not territorial toward most fish and do well in calm community reef tanks.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful community fish such as clownfish, dartfish, blennies, gobies, firefish, and small wrasses
• Avoid large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or outcompete them
• Safe with corals and most invertebrates

Breeding Potential

Circus Gobies may form pairs and lay eggs inside tight crevices or caves. Males usually guard the eggs until they hatch. However, successful breeding in home aquariums is very rare because the larvae are extremely delicate and require specialized foods and controlled conditions.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Circus Goby is carefully quarantined for several weeks. They undergo detailed health monitoring, are observed for parasites, and are treated when needed. During quarantine they are conditioned to accept a variety of foods and adapt to aquarium life, ensuring they arrive healthy, stable, and ready to settle quickly into your home tank.