Bluebanded Goby, Catalina Goby

The Catalina Goby is a really awesome looking saltwater fish. It is sometimes commonly called the Bluebanded Goby because of the blue bands it sports. Lythrypnus dalli is sometimes seen in the shops but fishkeepers should think twice before picking one of these out for taking home. They are considered a sub-tropical fish since they come from cooler waters where the temperatures range from the mid 60's F to 71 F. Keeping them in warmer temps, such as a reef tank where the temps can be in the low to mid 80's F can really shorten their lives. Ideally they should be kept in a cooler water set up with similar sub-tropical species. They are often found near zebra gobies (Lythrypnus zebra).

An interesting thing to note about this species is that they can change sex. Males will lure the females into a cave where she will place the eggs on the wall for fertilization and then the males will guard them until they hatch. Males can become quite territorial with other Catalinas, especially during this time period.

Feeding them should not be an issue. Frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp can be used to entice them to eat and you can even get them eating flake foods in time.

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Catalina Goby

Saltwater Goby Fish Species Profile and Care Information

Scientific Name : Lythrypnus dalli

Common Names : Catalina Goby, Bluebanded Goby

Care Level : Easy

Size : Up to 2.4 inches (6 cm)

Life span : 2 to 3 years, likely longer if kept in the right conditions (i.e. correct temp range)

pH : 8.1 - 8.4

Temperature : 64°F - 71°F (18°C - 22°C) - temps that are too warm will drastically shorten the lifespan of this fish. You will most likely need an aquarium chiller to keep your tank in the proper temperature range for this species. For smaller tanks we've reviewed the JBJ Mini Arctica Chiller.

Specific Gravity : 1.020 - 1.025

Carbonate Hardness (dKH) : 8 - 12°

Origin / Habitat : Eastern Pacific, Gulf of California

Temperament / Behavior : Can be quite territorial with other catalina gobies, but peaceful with other species but use caution if housing with other gobies.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : This fish can change sex, with females preferring larger males. Males will guard the eggs until hatched.

Tank Size : 55 gallon (208 liters) minimum, with a live sand bed. They build burrows usually near the live rock in the sand bed.

Compatible Tank Mates : Sub tropical tank mate species should be selected with similar temperament and care requirements.

Reef Tank Compatible? : Most "reef" tanks are too warm for this species.

Fish Disease : Saltwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment - usually considered somewhat hardy when kept in the proper temperature range. Temps that are too warm could lead to stress which could lead to disease and shortened lifespan.

Diet / Fish Food : Zooplankton, amphipods, copepods. Most meaty marine origin foods should be accepted including frozen mysis and brine shrimp. Try to vary their diet and incorporate a good quality flake food.

Tank Region : Usually claims a spot in the tank as it's territory where it will stick close to for the most part.

Gender : Can change genders.

Similar Species : Saltwater Goby and Dartfish

References - Recommended Reading
- Michael, S. W. (2001). Marine Fishes, 500+ Essential to Know Aquarium Species. T.F.H. Publications.
- "Lythrypnus dalli". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. November 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.

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