Glossary:
The Engineer goby, also known as the Convict blenny or scientifically as Pholidichthys leucotaenia, isn’t actually a goby, nor is it a blenny. While related to gobies and blennies, the Engineer goby is one of two members of the Pholidichthys family.
This species is pretty easy to keep and can be entertaining in a saltwater aquarium, but there are some things to know about this fish if you intend to keep it in your tank.
The following care guide will help you determine whether this species is right for you.
The Engineer goby is reef-safe in most cases, but with one potential issue. Specifically, this species tends to leave substrate on coral near the bottom of the aquarium. This often leads to the death of coral, making it necessary to ensure your coral is high enough to avoid fatal spraying.
One of the reasons this fish is great for beginners is its ease of feeding. You can feed this fish a variety of meats, and this includes chopped and frozen foods. Feed your Engineer goby everything from meaty pellets to fresh Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, bloodworms, and more.
The short answer is “absolutely.” In fact, you should keep at least two Engineer gobies in your tank considering that they travel and live in schools in the wild. However, if you plan on keeping more than one, make sure you introduce them all at the same time to ensure they bond with each other. Otherwise, they may fight with each other.
Engineer gobies are carnivorous and will definitely feed on other fish, including anything smaller than them that they can easily consume. If you plan on keeping this fish, keep this in mind. They may be peaceful among many fish, but they can also be incompatible with more vulnerable specimens.
The Engineer goby is a fish that has the capacity for a long lifespan. This fish is known to live for around eight to 12 years, so expect this fish to be a long-term resident in your tank with the proper care.
The pricing for the Engineer goby varies greatly depending on the size of the fish and the shop. You can find these fish on the market for around $10 to $70, so you’ll want to look around to find the right fish at the right price.
Here are some interesting facts you might want to know about the Engineer goby:
Selecting tank mates is one of the more challenging tasks when keeping an Engineer goby, but it’s still not hard to find the right fish to keep with your goby. In most cases, all you’ll want to avoid are smaller fish that the Engineer goby might pursue. For instance, you should avoid smaller blennies and gobies.
Some great tank mates for the Engineer goby include angelfish, clownfish, tangs, dwarf lionfish, and damselfish.
Looking for a place to buy an Engineer goby? You’ll find this fish at the following online shops:
Engineer gobies are a great addition for most types of tanks. If you’re looking for the ideal fish that doesn’t require too much care, you’ll find this fish to be a perfect choice whether you’re a beginner or a veteran aquarist.