Panda Goby - Paragobiodon lacunicolus

Panda Goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus)

The Panda Goby, Paragobiodon lacunicolus, is a tiny and highly appealing marine coral goby with a pale cream to yellow body, darker head tones and contrasting black fins that give it its “panda” appearance. Also known as the Panda Coral Goby, Blackfin Coral Goby or Panda Nano Goby, this Indo-Pacific species is best suited to peaceful, mature reef aquariums with branching coral structure and gentle tank mates. It is reef safe with caution, charming and ideal for aquarists who appreciate small cryptic reef fish, but it must not be placed with aggressive or fast-feeding species.

Common Name:
Panda Goby, Panda Coral Goby, Blackfin Coral Goby, Panda Nano Goby, Blackfin Goby.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Paragobiodon lacunicolus

Maximum Size:
Up to around 3 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Indo-Pacific, from the Seychelles and Chagos Islands across to the Line Islands and Tuamotu Islands, north to the Ryukyu and Bonin Islands, south to Lord Howe Island and throughout Micronesia. Naturally found on coral reefs down to around 20 m, closely associated with branching hard corals, especially Pocillopora and similar coral structures where it can perch, shelter and feed.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.023–1.025

Temperament:
Very peaceful and shy. Best kept with tiny, calm reef-safe fish that will not bully it or outcompete it at feeding time. It may be mildly territorial around its chosen coral perch, especially towards very similar gobies in small aquariums.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator and planktivore. In the aquarium, offer very small foods such as copepods, cyclops, enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped mysis, calanus, lobster eggs and quality marine micro pellets. Small regular feeds are best, as this species has a tiny mouth and may not compete well with faster fish.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 50 litres is recommended for a single specimen or compatible pair in a carefully managed peaceful nano reef, with larger aquariums preferred for stability. In larger aquariums it may be difficult to spot, so ensure food reaches its chosen territory.

Behaviour & Activity:
A tiny perch-dwelling goby that spends much of its time sitting among branching coral, coral-like structure, rock ledges or sheltered crevices. It is not an open-water swimmer and usually remains close to cover. Once settled, it may become more visible around its chosen perch, but it remains a cryptic species that relies on structure for security.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Generally safe with corals and most peaceful reef invertebrates. The caution is because coral gobies naturally live among branching corals and may perch on coral tissue or irritate sensitive SPS colonies, particularly if kept as a pair and breeding. It is not a coral predator, but delicate coral placement should be considered.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, peaceful reef aquarium with fine branching structure, stable water quality and very small foods. Avoid aggressive fish, large predatory wrasses, hawkfish, dottybacks, boisterous damsels and strong food competitors. Cover pump intakes and overflow slots in nano systems, as this is a very small fish. A secure lid is recommended, as small gobies may jump if startled. This is a specialist nano reef fish rather than a general community marine goby.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Rare or occasional in trade

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.