Neon Blue Goby (Captive Bred)

Also known as the Electric Blue Cleaner Goby or simply the Neon Goby. 

The Neon Blue Goby is a small, peaceful reef fish known for its striking electric-blue stripes running along a sleek dark body. Captive-bred Neon Gobies are hardy, adaptable, and quick to settle into reef aquariums. They often perch on rocks and corals, act as natural cleaners, and thrive even in nano tanks. Their calm personality, vibrant colors, and ease of care make them an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Elacatinus oceanops
• Common Names: Neon Goby, Neon Blue Goby, Electric Blue Cleaner Goby
• Adult Size: Around 2 inches (5 cm)
• Lifespan: 2–5 years in stable aquarium conditions
• Temperament: Peaceful, active, semi-bottom-dwelling
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Neon Gobies are native to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean reef systems, where they perch on rock ledges and corals while cleaning other fish. They naturally inhabit shallow reef zones with steady water movement and plenty of hiding spaces.

Tank Environment:

• Provide rockwork, caves, and ledges for perching and hiding
• Sand or mixed substrate works well
• Moderate water flow with clean, stable conditions
• Open areas for short bursts of swimming

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Neon Gobies are carnivorous and feed on tiny crustaceans and parasites in the wild. Captive-bred individuals readily accept a variety of prepared foods.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and micro-zooplankton
• Finely chopped seafood
• Small marine pellets or micro-flakes

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

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
Neon Blue Gobies are peaceful, gentle, and active around rockwork. They often establish cleaning stations, picking parasites from other fish. They are not territorial except sometimes with other gobies of similar shape in very small tanks.

Tank Mates:

• Great with peaceful community fish such as clownfish, dartfish, firefish, blennies, and small wrasses
• Avoid aggressive species or very large predators
• 100% safe with corals and invertebrates

Breeding Potential

Captive-bred Neon Gobies often form pairs and may spawn in aquarium conditions. They lay eggs in sheltered areas such as small caves or PVC tubes. The male usually guards the clutch. While spawning is achievable, raising the larvae remains challenging and requires specialized foods and controlled environments.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Neon Blue Goby undergoes a strict, multi-week quarantine process. Each fish is carefully monitored, proactively treated for parasites, and conditioned to accept a wide range of foods. Our captive-bred specimens adapt quickly, remain hardy, and arrive healthy and confident—ready to thrive in your reef tank from day one.