Elacatinus figaro

Sazima, Moura & Rosa, 1997

Barber Goby

Range: Southwest Atlantic: Brazil.

Size: 2 inch (4 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits shallow coral covered rocky bottom areas, both on coastal areas and outer islands. Often found in groups of 6 individuals on coral heads, sometimes among coralline algae covered rocks or encrusting sponges. Will seek protection among the spines of urchins. Is said to clean other fish. Usually found at depths between 10 – 65 feet (3 – 20 m) where it feeds upon benthic invertebrate/zooplankton.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade, having a darkish body with a yellow band from the snout through the eye to the caudal peduncle.

Best maintained in fish-only or reef aquariums with rocky caves and crevices where it can hide if feeling threatened and a deep sand bed that can provide it some minute crustaceans.

Should not be housed with aggressive or fin-nipping fishes, such as groupers, dottybacks, triggerfishes or angelfishes.

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.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Gobioidei

Family: Gobiidae

Genus: Elacatinus

FYI: May jump out of uncovered aquariums.

They are a cleaner fish, and will pick parasites off larger fishes.

Captive bred specimens available.

Experience Level: Beginner

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 - 79°F (22 – 26°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5