
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Elacatinus oceanops
A tiny goby with beautiful vivid neon blue line. Also functions as cleaner fish.
The neon goby (Elacatinus oceanops) is a tiny goby from the Caribbean and Florida, marked by a brilliant neon-blue stripe along a black body. Adults stay at 3-5 cm and can be kept in tanks as small as 30-45 cm. In the wild it sets up a cleaning station on coral and picks parasites from the skin and mouths of larger fish that come to be serviced. That behaviour often appears in the aquarium too, and unlike the cleaner wrasse it does not pester tankmates excessively. Captive breeding is well established and most stock in the trade is tank-bred and hardy. Its mouth is small, so offer finely chopped frozen food or micro pellets two or three times a day.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Neon Goby lives 2-4 years.
Lifespan is a relatively short two to four years.
The Neon Goby grows to 3-5cm.
The ideal water temperature for the Neon Goby is 22〜26℃.
Lifespan
2-4 years
Size
3-5cm
Temperature
23〜26℃
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Frozen food, Artificial feed
Adults stay at just 3-5cm, so even a 30-45cm tank works. It likes to perch on coral and rock, so provide rockwork to rest on.
It has a tiny mouth, so feed finely chopped frozen food or micro pellets 2-3 times a day. Most fish in trade are captive-bred and hardy.
Small and hardy, but small tanks with little water volume change quickly. Do frequent water changes to keep conditions stable.
Peaceful, also cleans other fish
CB widely available, easy to obtain
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Neon Goby is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Neon Goby is 2-4 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Neon Goby typically reaches 3-5cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Neon Goby feeds on: Frozen food, Artificial feed. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Neon Goby varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: June 23, 2026