Coryphopterus personatus

(Jordan & Thompson, 1905)

Masked Goby

Range: Western Atlantic Ocean: Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas to northern South America, including Lesser Antilles.

Size: 2 inches (4 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shaded areas and caves near large coral columns and heads where rubble collects and usually found at depths between 10 – 150 feet (3 – 45 m) where it feeds upon benthic invertebrate.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade, and having a reddish body with white separated lines lengthwise from the snout to the caudal peduncle.

As of 2016, no aquarium husbandry exists for this species. Yet would probably be best maintained in small/nano well-established fish-only or reef aquariums.

Should not be housed with aggressive or fin-nipping fishes.

As to diet, finely chopped fresh or frozen meaty foods, e.g., krill, marine fish flesh, mysis, shrimp, scallops, and clams should be fed twice daily.

If difficult to get feeding, try live adult fortified brine shrimp and black worms (Lumbriculus variegatus).

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Gobioidei

Family: Gobiidae

Genus: Coryphopterus

FYI: May jump out of uncovered aquariums.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5