Masked Dwarf Goby

Masked Dwarf Goby The name “Masked Dwarf Goby” is used in the hobby for several small gobies with a dark facial mask. The species most consistently sold under this name is Coryphopterus personatus, a tiny Western Atlantic goby that is peaceful, reef‑safe, and ideal for nano tanks. Less commonly, Gobioclinus bucciferus or Ctenogobiops pomastictus are mislabeled as “masked gobies,” but the true dwarf goby in trade is Coryphopterus personatus. Below is a consolidated, citation‑grounded overview of the species most relevant to your livestock listings. 🐠 Identity & Appearance Common name: Masked Goby Scientific name: Coryphopterus personatus Adult size: ~5 cm (2") Coloration: White/translucent body with a distinct black facial mask across the eyes. Body shape: Slender, hovering nano goby typical of the genus. 🌍 Natural Habitat & Behavior Range: Western Atlantic — Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, northern South America. Depth: Shallow reefs and seagrass beds. Behavior: Peaceful, bottom‑hovering micro‑planktivore. Retreats to crevices when threatened. Often found in small groups in the wild. 🧪 Aquarium Requirements Minimum tank: 20 gallons (75 L). Aquascape: Plenty of live rock, crevices, and sheltered pockets. Stable, mature reef systems preferred. Lighting: No special requirements; adapts well. Flow: Moderate; avoid blasting small fish. Reef safety: Fully reef‑safe. Temperament: Peaceful; suitable for nano and larger reefs. 🍤 Diet & Feeding Type: Carnivore. Foods: Mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, small meaty foods. Feeding frequency: Multiple small feedings daily; maintains coloration and body weight. Adaptability: Readily adapts to prepared foods; hardy eater. 🧬 Social Structure & Compatibility Best kept: Small groups or harems; very peaceful. Tankmates: Other peaceful nano fish, small wrasses, gobies, chromis. Avoid aggressive or fast, competitive feeders. 🩺 Hardiness & Acclimation Difficulty: Moderate to easy. Strengths: Hardy, adaptable, excellent nano fish. Challenges: Small size → can be outcompeted for food. Needs stable water parameters. Captive‑bred availability: Yes — captive‑bred specimens exist and acclimate well. 🐣 Reproduction Spawning: Possible in captivity. Method: Eggs laid on cave ceilings or underside of rock; male guards eggs until hatch.