Fusigobius pallidus

(Randall, 2001)

Pale Sand Goby

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Size: 3 inches (6 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits sandy and rubble bottom areas near coastal reefs and usually found at depths between 3 – 85 feet (1 – 25 m) where it feeds on benthic invertebrates.

General Husbandry: Has been captive bred and may soon, as of late 2016, be available in the trade. Has a translucent body with several brownish red small spots and several white short lines on the upper body.

As with all in this genus, feeds off the substrate where in consumes worms and small crustaceans. Can be maintained in fish-only or reef aquariums with wide-open course grained (2 – 4 mm) sandy areas also some loose rubble where it can hide if feeling threatened.

Should only be housed with small, peaceful tankmates.

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

FYI: May jump out of uncovered aquariums.

One per aquarium.

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: 20 gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 80°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5