Golden Sulawesi Goby (Mugilogobius rexi)
| Golden Sulawesi Goby Mugilogobius rexi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Golden Sulawesi Goby |
| Name Lat. | Mugilogobius rexi |
| Family | Gobies |
| Family lat. | Gobiidae |
| Order | Gobies |
| Order lat. | Gobiiformes |
| Origin | Sulawesi |
| Habitat | Lakes |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Experts only |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | N/A |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4-5 cm |
| Temperature | 26-29 °C |
| Hardness | 1-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6"-2" |
| Temperature | 79-84 °F |
| Hardness | 18-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Lemon gobies are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Towuti and Lake Mahalona, in the central uplands of Sulawesi Island. There they live mainly near the shore with muddy soft bottoms between aquatic plant pods and freshwater mangroves.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have partly dense planting, be structured with stones, roots and caves and offer sufficient swimming space. A graveable substrate of sand or a fine-grained round gravel, which can be covered with some foliage (sea almond tree, oak), slightly shaded light and soft, slightly alkaline water is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
They feed mainly on insects, small crustaceans and plankton. The food supply consists of small live food, such as microworms, cyclops, daphnia, bosmids, artemia, red mosquito larvae, etc., which is also eaten in frozen form or a frozen special food mixture, supplemented with high-quality dry food (granules, pellets, flakes) with vegetable components, which is well accepted after acclimation
Only as much should be fed as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance
Behaviour and compatibility
The lively lemon dwarf gobies are peaceful fish and should be kept in pairs or better in a group where females predominate. The males occupy small territories, which they defend against conspecifics and other fish during spawning season. Keeping a group is only recommended in a larger, richly structured tank. They can be socialized well with peaceful, not too small fish. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Sexually mature males are bright yellow in color and have larger fins with a dark fin fringe, while females are pale yellow.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium, although egg laying does occur
They are adhesive spawners, usually laying their circular clutch on vertical surfaces. The tiny larvae hatch after about 24 hours and float in the water (pelagic development). They begin to ingest minute food immediately after their yolk sac is depleted.
Important
Unlike other gobies, they do not only stay on the bottom but also like to swim in open water
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF