Black Clown Goby (Gobiodon strangulatus)
The Black Clown Goby is a small and fascinating saltwater fish prized for its dark coloration, compact body, and entertaining personality. Like other members of the Gobiodon genus, this tiny goby spends much of its time perched among coral branches and rockwork, watching the aquarium from its favorite resting spots. Its small size and unusual appearance make it an excellent choice for nano reefs and larger marine aquariums.
Native to coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific, Gobiodon strangulatus is closely associated with branching corals, where it finds shelter and protection from predators. In the aquarium, it appreciates established live rock with plenty of caves, crevices, and elevated perching locations. Once comfortable, the Black Clown Goby often develops favorite areas of the aquarium and can become surprisingly bold during feeding time.
Black Clown Gobies are carnivores and should be offered appropriately sized foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods, and small sinking or slow-sinking marine pellets. Because of their small size, offering small portions once or twice throughout the day can help maintain healthy body condition.
This species is generally peaceful toward other fish, although it may become territorial with other clown gobies in smaller aquariums. Black Clown Gobies are commonly kept in reef tanks, but some caution is recommended with SPS corals. Clown gobies naturally perch within branching corals and may occasionally irritate coral tissue. Breeding pairs may also clear small areas of coral tissue when preparing a location for their eggs.
Scientific Name: Gobiodon strangulatus
Common Name: Black Clown Goby
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Adult Size: Up to 1.5 Inches
Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons
Reef Safe: With Caution
Origin: Indo-Pacific
If you're looking for a small saltwater fish with plenty of personality, the Black Clown Goby is an excellent choice. Its compact size, unusual dark coloration, and entertaining perching behavior make it a unique addition to nano reefs and established marine aquariums.
