Peruvian Eelgoby (Gobioides peruanus)
| Peruvian Eelgoby Gobioides peruanus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Peruvian Eelgoby |
| Name Lat. | Gobioides peruanus |
| Family | Gobies |
| Family lat. | Gobiidae |
| Order | Gobies |
| Order lat. | Gobiiformes |
| Origin | America |
| Habitat | Estuaries, rivers |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 7.5-8.5 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Experts only |
| Reproduction | Oviparous |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 10-12 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 38 cm |
| Temperature | 22-26 °C |
| Hardness | 10-25 °dH |
| Aquarium | 150 cm / 370 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 15" |
| Temperature | 72-79 °F |
| Hardness | 178-445 ppm |
| Aquarium | 100 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The range of the blue eel goby extends from the Pacific coast of southern Mexico to northern Peru. There they live in the intertidal zone of estuaries with muddy-soft bottoms, where they are usually burrowed or hidden in their living burrows during the day. They often penetrate far into the freshwater zone upstream.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a deep, burrowable substrate of fine gravel or sand, with bottom hiding places (living caves) made of stacked round river stones, roots and tubes. Shaded lighting and slightly alkaline water with a weak current is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the 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
In nature they feed mainly on carrion and plant remains (detritus). The food supply consists of Tubifex, Artemia, mosquito larvae etc., which is also accepted in frozen form without any problems. In addition, they regularly require plant food such as commercially available algae leaves and high-quality sinking dry food (granules, crisps, tablets) with high plant content (spirulina, kelp).
Only feed as much as is eaten immediately (in a maximum of 10 minutes). A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance
Behaviour and compatibility
The males are territorial and should only be kept together with one or more females. They behave peacefully towards other fish, even small ones. They can be socialized with other peaceful fish. Keeping several males is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water quality and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. With some experience, the sexes can be distinguished by their genital papilla, which is pointed in the male and dull and yellowish in the female.
Reproduction and breeding
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
A small addition (1-2 tablespoons per 10 l of water) of sea salt (mineral salt) from the pet shop is recommended for water hardening. If the water is sufficiently hard and alkaline, there is no need to add salt.
Each animal needs at least one living cave, which is sometimes left during the day in shaded tanks.
The Blue Eel Goby is often confused with the Purple Eel Goby (Gobioides broussonnetii), which lives only in brackish water.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels 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