Hector's Goby

Hector's Goby (Koumansetta hectori, formerly classified as Amblygobius hectori), also commonly known as the Hector's Hover Goby: 1. Appearance & Coloration Coloration: Features a dark slate-gray to bluish body running lengthwise, accented by striking, vibrant horizontal yellow or reddish stripes stretching from the tip of its snout to the base of its caudal fin. It also typically displays a distinct dark eyespot (ocellus) on or near its dorsal fin. Morphology: Unlike typical bottom-dwelling gobies, they have a sleek, elongated body adapted for hovering. Size: They are a diminutive species, reaching an adult maturity size of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm). 2. Native Origin & Habitat Geography: Widely distributed throughout the Indo-West Pacific region, including the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and parts of Micronesia and Japan. Environment: Inhabits sheltered coastal reef slopes, bay areas, and shallow drop-offs rich in coral growth and algae, usually found hovering just above sandy substrates or darting into rock rubble crevices. 3. Tank Requirements Minimum Tank Size: Requires an aquarium of at least 30 gallons to provide adequate grazing territory and open swimming space. Substrate & Rockwork: Appreciates a fine sand bed and plenty of live rock with caves, ledges, and crevices for hiding. As sand-sifters, they take mouthfuls of fine substrate to filter through their gills, which helps keep the top layers clean and aerated. Avoid coarse crushed coral that could damage their gills. Water Parameters: Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C) Specific Gravity: 1.020 – 1.026 pH: 8.0 – 8.5 Tank Cover: A tight-fitting lid or secure mesh screen is mandatory, as they are known to jump if startled. 4. Diet & Feeding Natural Diet: Omnivorous micro-feeders that graze on filamentous microalgae, micro-zooplankton, and tiny benthic organisms sifted from the sand. Captive Diet: Thrives best in well-established aquariums with natural algae and microfauna. Readily accepts prepared aquarium foods including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops, spirulina-enriched flakes, and marine pellets. Feed multiple times a day if natural grazing surfaces are limited. 5. Reef Compatibility Status: Reef Safe Behavior: Completely safe with corals, clams, and passive invertebrates. They do not harm sessile reef life, though their substrate-sifting behavior will minorly rearrange loose sand near the base of the rockwork. 6. Temperament & Tank Mates Temperament: Peaceful, timid, and active during the day. True to their nickname as "hover gobies," they spend much of their time hovering just above the substrate rather than sitting completely motionless. Compatibility: Excellent addition to peaceful community reef setups. They can be kept singly or as a verified male-female pair. Avoid housing them with aggressive, territorial, or fin-nipping fish (such as large dottybacks, aggressive groupers, or triggerfish) that will bully them, outcompete them for food, or cause them to hide permanently.