ORA Captive-Bred Sharknose Goby – Easy Care Nano Tank Goby
The ORA Sharknose Goby Captive-Bred (Elacatinus evelynae) is a peaceful cleaner fish with bright yellow and neon-blue coloration that makes it a standout choice for reef aquariums. As a captive-bred specimen from ORA, it adapts quickly to home tanks, readily accepts prepared foods, and offers the added benefit of being hardier and less disease-prone than wild-caught fish. Its small size of just 1.5 inches makes it perfect for nano tanks and larger reef systems alike. Many reef keepers choose this species because it balances beauty with utility, reducing parasites while coexisting peacefully with corals and invertebrates.
Key Facts
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elacatinus evelynae |
| Family | Gobiidae |
| Origin | Caribbean |
| Maximum Size | 1.5–2 inches |
| Purchase Size | 0.25-1 inch |
| Lifespan | 2–3 years (longer in stable tanks) |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Minimum Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Diet | Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, prepared pellets |
| Temperature | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Salinity | 1.020–1.025 |
Appearance
The ORA Sharknose Goby has a slender black body with a vivid yellow stripe starting on the head and transitioning into neon blue down the body. This bold coloration provides contrast that makes it both easy to spot and highly desirable for reef aquariums.
Care & Requirements
This species is considered one of the easiest gobies to care for, making it ideal for beginners. A minimum tank size of 10 gallons is recommended, and the aquarium should be covered to prevent jumping. The Sharknose Goby thrives in tanks with live rock and sandy or fine gravel substrate, where it can perch and establish territories. It accepts a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and sinking pellets, ensuring adaptability to aquarium life.
Are Sharknose Gobies good for beginners?
Yes, they are considered very easy to keep and adapt quickly to aquarium life.
Do Sharknose Gobies need a lid on the tank?
Yes, they are known jumpers and tanks should always be covered.
What do Sharknose Gobies eat in captivity?
They eat frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and small pellets in addition to cleaning tank mates.
Tank Mates & Compatibility
The ORA Sharknose Goby is peaceful and reef safe, coexisting well with corals, invertebrates, and other non-aggressive fish such as clownfish, cardinalfish, and small wrasses. Avoid housing them with larger predatory species that may see them as prey. They can be kept singly, in pairs, or as part of a small group if introduced carefully. Their natural cleaning behavior adds utility, as they often remove parasites from other fish.
Can Sharknose Gobies live with clownfish?
Yes, they are compatible tank mates and coexist peacefully.
Are Sharknose Gobies aggressive to other gobies?
They may show territorial behavior toward similar species but are otherwise peaceful.
Do Sharknose Gobies clean other fish in aquariums?
Yes, they establish cleaning stations where they remove parasites from tank mates.
Aquaculture/Availability
The ORA Sharknose Goby Captive-Bred is produced through aquaculture, meaning it is not dependent on wild collection. This makes it a sustainable choice for reef aquariums and ensures hardier, well-adapted specimens. While availability can vary due to breeding cycles, demand often exceeds supply, making this a sought-after option for aquarists.
Are captive-bred Sharknose Gobies healthier than wild-caught?
Yes, they are more disease-resistant and acclimate more easily.
Is the ORA Sharknose Goby always captive-bred?
Yes, ORA consistently produces this species through aquaculture.
Why is captive-bred availability limited at times?
Supply depends on breeding cycles and strong demand, leading to occasional stock shortages.
Why Buy From Oceansgarden.com
- Captive-Bred & Sustainable: Many of our fish and invertebrates are captive-bred or sustainably sourced to promote healthy reef ecosystems.
- Expert Care Before Shipping: Every animal is maintained under professional aquarium standards for health, diet, and water quality.
- Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand behind each shipment with a Live Arrival Guarantee for your peace of mind.
- Fast, Reliable Shipping: Orders are packed with proven methods and shipped overnight to ensure safe arrival.
- Transparent Policies: Clear shipping, refund, and guarantee information available on every order page.
- Trusted by Hobbyists: Backed by years of experience and thousands of satisfied marine aquarium keepers across the U.S.
FAQ
How long do Sharknose Gobies live in home aquariums?
Most live 2–3 years with proper care, though some may exceed this lifespan in stable reef tanks.
Can Sharknose Gobies be kept in nano tanks?
Yes, a single specimen can thrive in as little as 10 gallons, making it a popular nano tank fish.
What’s the difference between Sharknose Gobies and Neon Gobies?
They share similar cleaning behavior but differ in coloration; Sharknose Gobies feature a yellow-to-blue stripe, while Neon Gobies have a more uniform blue stripe.
Do Sharknose Gobies require live food?
No, captive-bred specimens adapt to frozen and pellet diets, unlike some wild-caught individuals.
Can Sharknose Gobies be paired?
Yes, they can be kept in pairs or groups if introduced carefully and tank size permits.
Are Sharknose Gobies reef safe with corals and inverts?
Yes, they do not harm corals or invertebrates, making them an excellent reef-safe choice.
Do Sharknose Gobies contribute to tank cleaning?
Yes, they establish cleaning stations and reduce parasites on tank mates, supporting overall aquarium health.
What are signs of a stressed Sharknose Goby?
Loss of appetite, faded coloration, or excessive hiding may indicate poor water quality or stress from aggressive tank mates.
| size | 0.25 inch + |
|---|
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