Description

Hector’s Goby (Koumansetta hectori)
Peaceful, sand-sifting, and full of utility—an excellent nano or reef tank addition.

Description:

Hector’s Goby is a small, slender-bodied fish with a subtle but attractive appearance. It features a dark brown to black body accented with bright horizontal yellow stripes and a distinctive yellow-tipped tail. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this goby is often chosen for its gentle behavior and sand-cleaning habits.

• Size: Up to 3 inches

• Coloration: Blackish body with horizontal yellow stripes; yellow caudal fin

• Lifespan: Around 5 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy; does well in community and reef tanks

Care Requirements:

Tank Size:

• Minimum 20 gallons

• Best suited for nano to medium-sized reef tanks with sand beds

Diet:

• Omnivorous; primarily feeds by sifting sand for microfauna

• Diet should include:

  • Enriched live or frozen brine shrimp

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Marine pellets and flakes

  • Benthic foods (copepods, amphipods, worms)

• Feed 1–2 times daily; ensure food reaches the substrate

Behavior:

• Peaceful and non-aggressive

• Constantly grazes on sand and rock for detritus and tiny organisms

• May be outcompeted by more aggressive eaters, especially in busy tanks

• Excellent for keeping sand beds clean

Reef Compatibility:

• Fully reef-safe

• Will not harm corals or invertebrates

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Aquascape Tips:

• Provide a sandy substrate (fine grain) for natural sifting behavior

• Rockwork with crevices and tunnels helps them feel secure

• Can jump—secure lid or mesh top is essential

Special Notes:

• Can be kept singly or in pairs

• Avoid housing with aggressive or overly dominant tankmates

• Known to be shy at first; acclimates better in quieter tanks