Several fishes and a number of shrimp engage in symbiotic cleaning behavior, and keeping some of these so-called “cleaner” animals in a saltwater aquarium adds interest, diversity and benefit to the tank. Of all the commonly available cleaner species, perhaps the all-around best is the diminutive (in size but not in color or personality) neon goby (Elacatinus oceanops).
The neon goby is a small (to 5 cm), reef-associated marine fish that inhabits the western central Atlantic Ocean from south Florida to Texas and south to Central America. While it can be found at depths of over 45 meters, it is frequently associated with shallow reefs where it sets up cleaning stations on coral heads. Readily identifiable by way of the bold electric blue stripe that runs from in front of its eye to the end of caudal fin, the neon goby is believed to advertise its services, at least in part, by way of this pattern (note that the Pacific cleaner fishes from the genus Labroides are also longitudinally striped).
Taxonomic Confusion
The Gobiidae family is the largest family of marine fishes with more than 2000 species described. Many aquarists still include the neon goby in the genus Gobiosoma, but this is not valid. Gobiosoma has recently undergone a taxonomic restructuring, and the neon goby is now properly placed in the genus Elacatinus, which was elevated to genus status (Gobiosoma was previously divided into five subgenera including Elacatinus). Taxonomy aside it should be noted that not all gobies closely related to the neon goby are cleaner gobies, but those that are will boldly advertise their cleaning services in both the wild and in the aquarium.
Neon Goby Husbandry
The neon goby is a common aquarium species, and many of the specimens available commercially are now tank-raised. Since as early as the mid-seventies, this species has been successfully reared in captivity. A group of neon gobies kept in the same tank will readily pair off and spawn, although it is wise to keep seven or more in a large tank so as to avoid any one individual being the target of too much inter-species aggression (one neon goby per 25-30 gallons is a good rule of thumb in my experience). A confirmed pair of neon gobies may be kept in a much smaller aquarium.
Once acclimated to its new surroundings, a neon goby should instinctually set-up a cleaning station. Generally this cleaning station is on a coral head, but in the fish-only system, it may simply be on a protuberance of live rock. This behavior may at first seem bold to the aquarist, and it is certainly unusual for a fish of this size living in a reef tank with larger (and even predatory) fishes. While there is a great deal of debate on this point, it seems most fishes recognize the role of the neon goby as a cleaner and will not act aggressively toward it in the aquarium (this is not the case, however, for predatory invertebrates like larger crabs).
Cleaning Duties
What exactly does the neon goby clean? The neon goby cleans ectoparasites, dead skin and other detritus from this fishes in your system. In many cases, the fishes will “ask” for this service by swimming up to the cleaning station and waiting for the neon goby to move onto the fish’s body. The fish being cleaned will commonly extend its fins and open its gill flaps and its mouth to give the goby full access. When the fish has had enough, it resumes its normal activity and the neon goby returns to the cleaning station.
Not an Obligate Cleaner
The neon goby is not difficult to keep in the aquarium, and it will readily accept most foods offered to your other fishes. Unlike some other cleaners, the neon goby does not need to clean in order to survive. In other words, it is not an obligate cleaner, and this is one reason it is such a fantastic aquarium animal. Do be sure to offer it small bits of food, as the neon goby possesses a very small mouth.
A Stellar Saltwater Aquarium Fish
The neon goby makes an absolutely fantastic marine aquarium fish. It is hardy, colorful and frequently visible in even a large community reef tank. The fact that it helps to clean your fishes of parasites and is often available as captive-bred specimens only adds value to this already stellar animal.
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