Real Aquatics Rainford’s Goby
A small goby striped in orange over blue-green with fine spotting, hovering just above the rockwork. Beautiful, and a specialist feeder.
Feeding
Grazes filamentous algae, detritus and tiny invertebrates from rock and sand. Rarely takes prepared food readily, and needs a mature system with established algae and a pod population.
Compatibility
Reef safe and entirely peaceful. Easily outcompeted by faster feeders.
Behaviour and personality
Hovers just above the substrate, picking constantly. Sifts sand and grazes rock surfaces all day.
Before you buy
Frequently lost to starvation in clean or newly established tanks. It needs a mature aquarium with visible algae growth and a live pod population, not a spotless one.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Rainford’s Goby |
| Size | 2.5 cm (1 inch) |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
| Water Temperature | 24–28°C |
| Water pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Compatibility | Reef-safe, peaceful |
FAQ
What kind of environment does Rainford’s Goby require to thrive?
It requires a mature aquarium with visible algae growth and a live pod population. It does not survive well in clean or newly established tanks.
Does Rainford’s Goby eat prepared food?
Rarely. It primarily feeds on filamentous algae, detritus, and tiny invertebrates found on rocks and sand.
Is Rainford’s Goby safe for a reef tank?
Yes, it is reef-safe and entirely peaceful, making it suitable for reef environments.
Jasmine Poole –
Bought this goby for my reef tank after reading about its peaceful nature. It’s been there for three months and still active, grazing on algae. The tank had to be mature with some algae growth before it settled in. A beautiful addition to the display.
Angela Howard –
It’s a striking fish with a unique appearance. I was cautious because it doesn’t eat prepared food, but once the tank had algae, it started feeding naturally. I didn’t expect it to stay so long, but it’s now a regular part of the tank.
Wanda James –
The goby arrived healthy and looks great. However, it hasn’t eaten anything in two weeks. I’m not sure if my tank is mature enough. I’ll keep monitoring algae growth and adjust accordingly.