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If memory serves, it was twenty or so years
back at the world’ largest aquarium (and general pet) show, the
Interzoo, that I first experienced really small (a few gallon) reef
systems. These pico reefs were successful miniature marine worlds, but I
feared for the hobby’s trend here for ever-smaller systems. My concern
exists to this day, “What will happen if aquarists fail too easily with
such small volumes?” It’s so that the bigger the tank, the more stable
chemically, physically and biologically it is; the more forgiving for
power outages, overfeeding mistakes, livestock deaths. Be this as it is,
pico systems have persisted, indeed continue to increase in popularity;
not only due to better gear, more knowledge on their owners part, but
the increased availability of very small livestock. Happily, this last
includes the captive production of several small fish species.
Let’s hit the highlights of what’s currently around small goby wise and
their application to little reef systems.
Other than the usual being aquarium hardy, good-looking and interesting
behaviorally; fishes for very small reefs have to stay small, get along
with other chosen livestock, and adapt well to small confines. It is
fortunate that there are several species that fit these criteria; and
that of these, more and more are being captive bred and reared for the
aquarium hobby. About Gobiids: According to Fishbase.org (from Eschmeyer’s
Catalog of Fishes), there are presently 258 genera and 1,767 species
comprising the family Gobiidae. As such, Gobies are the second largest
family of fishes, after the minnows, Cyprinidae, with some 3,072
species. Gobies are mainly saltwater though some are brackish and
freshwater. Though they look superficially like blennies, Gobiids can be
told apart by their fused pelvic fins. Most are cryptic, living on the
bottom, eating small invertebrates, though a few are planktivorous. It’s their small size and bottom, hidden
living habits that make so many of the very small Gobiids ideal for use
in small marine systems. Though some, mainly larger species are
territorial to the point of having to be individually stocked in little
tanks, the species we’ll cover here are more social; often encountered
in the wild in loose associations of several specimens. Lest this appear to be an enlarged
advertisement for ORA (.com); they DO produce many of these fishes for
the ornamental trade. Proaquatix too is producing commercial numbers of
small gobies:
http://www.proaquatix.com/gobies/. Otherwise, the species listed here are
available wild-collected on a punctuated basis. If you don’t see them at
your dealer/stockist, DO ask for them to inquire in turn of their
suppliers. Good small gobies are easy to find; they almost always are of
either end of the spectrum: healthy and ready to go, or rarely, on the
verge of death. Look for the behavioral descriptor of "brightness" with
these small fishes… that they're out and about, looking at you, the
other life in their system, alert to danger and the possibility of food. What to look out for? Avoid tanks that have any Gobies with
apparent spots or breaks in their skin… this batch may be in the process
of "breaking down"… not a specific ailment per se, but a "handling
syndrome" where aquatic life is failing in response to poor environment
and microbial involvement. And don’t buy newly arrived specimens. Most incidental losses
of livestock occur within the first day or two of being new. Better to
let all rest up a few days to a couple weeks. Often dealers will hold
sales with a deposit if you’re concerned the livestock will sell.
These times are tough. With the rising cost of everything; systems,
energy, water… there are good reasons to go small. Pico systems can be
made to work, given study, careful set up and maintenance. Investigate
your options carefully; there is much range in quality and functionality
in small tanks, lighting, filtration, circulation… Take the time to read
leisurely of the hobbyist sites that proffer first hand reviews what is
currently on the market and of use. It is extremely easy to have small volumes
drift to dangerous water quality parameters in a matter of days. Trying
to adjust water quality in the system itself is fraught with danger from
potential overdosing. What really works re regular upkeep of small
systems is sticking to an established routine. Water testing may reveal
problems, but often they are too late with warning of eroding water
quality. It is much better for you to develop the practice of pre-mixing
and storing change out water, and switching a good 25% out every week.
Any adjustments for alkaline earths, pH, buffering capacity to be made
in the new water, not attempted in the few gallons of extant system
water. Pico System Gobies on Parade:
Clown Gobies, Genus
Gobiodon:
Though only attaining a maximum of 2 1/2 inches, Gobiodon are
huge on color and spunky personality. Due to their noxious body slime no
other fish bothers them, and they're happy as proverbial clams with
some live or skeletal Acropora coral to perch on and a little
live meaty food. There are 27 described species in the genus; the hobby
sees a handful on a sporadic basis.
Genus Bryaninops:
Most members of this genus live on living sea whips, which are hard to
keep in captivity; though one is a schooler, just hanging above the
substrate in almost undetectable groups.
Genus Coryphopterus:
Another genus (of some two dozen species) that has a mix of territorial
bottom dwellers that need a couple plus feet of bottom space per
individual, and a few smaller sized ones that do fine in groups:
Genus Eviota:
This genus and the next (Trimma) were some of the most beautiful and
first used tiny gobies for pico systems. Indeed, these were the fishes I
espied two decades back at Interzoo that really caught my eye.
Thirty five described species, with many
more to go.
Other Gobies (there
are MANY):
Yes; there are more to choose from, but for you here I’ve selected
genera/species that are most available, captive-bred and likely to be so
in the near future, AND ones that can be more readily mixed as single or
multiple species assemblages in small volumes.
Many other small goby species need more than a square foot of bottom
space per individual and/or can become overly territorial in time.
Cloze:
Systems under five gallons (picos by definition) aren’t easily kept.
Small changes in outside temperature, an over-feeding, a missed death in
the tank can quickly lead to catastrophic cascade effects and loss of
livestock. Fortunately there are several small fishes, particularly
Gobies that are well-suited for such small volumes. Even more fortunate
is the availability of a growing number of these fishes as captive bred
and reared specimens. These have proved much more aquarium hardy and
adaptable to captive conditions.
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