Green Clown Goby - Gobiodon rivulatus

Rippled Coral Goby (Gobiodon rivulatus)

The Green Clown Goby, Gobiodon rivulatus, is a small, peaceful coral-dwelling goby with a compact body, subtle green to brown colouration and fine rippled markings that help it blend into branching coral. Also known as the Green Coral Goby or Rippled Coralgoby, this species is ideal for mature peaceful reef aquariums where it can perch among coral branches, rockwork and sheltered ledges. It is reef safe with caution, as it is not a coral-eating fish, but it may rest on or irritate some corals and can lay eggs on coral branches.

Common Name:
Rippled Coral Goby, Rippled Coralgoby, Green Coral Goby, Coral Goby.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Gobiodon rivulatus

Maximum Size:
Up to around 5 cm.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Indo-Pacific coral reef regions, including the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean through Southeast Asia and the western Pacific. Naturally associated with coral reefs, especially branching and tabletop Acropora corals, where it shelters among coral branches and remains close to a chosen coral colony or protected structure.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Peaceful and relatively sedentary, but may defend its chosen perch or coral territory from very similar small gobies. Best kept with calm reef-safe fish that will not bully it or outcompete it at feeding time. Avoid large predatory fish and aggressive tank mates.

Diet:
Carnivorous micro-predator. In nature, it feeds on tiny crustaceans such as copepods and other small planktonic or benthic prey. In the aquarium, offer small frozen foods such as cyclops, copepods, enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped mysis, calanus and quality marine micro pellets. Small, regular feeds are best, as this species has a small mouth and may be slow to compete with faster fish.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 60 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for pairs or mixed reef communities. Provide branching coral-style structure, live rock, caves and secure perching areas.

Behaviour & Activity:
A perch-dwelling coral goby that spends much of its time sitting among coral branches, on rock ledges or within sheltered crevices. It is not an open-water swimmer and usually remains close to its chosen territory. In suitable conditions it may form pairs, and the male guards eggs laid on coral branches. Like other coral gobies, it may produce a protective mucus coating and can be difficult for predators to eat, but this does not make it suitable with aggressive tank mates.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Generally safe with most reef invertebrates and not a coral predator. The caution is because coral gobies naturally live among branching corals and may perch on, irritate or occasionally damage Acropora tissue, especially if breeding and preparing an egg-laying site. It is best kept in mature reef aquariums where any sensitive SPS corals can tolerate occasional contact.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide peaceful tank mates and plenty of small perching places. Branching coral or coral-like rock structure helps this species feel secure. Avoid housing with large predatory fish, aggressive wrasses, hawkfish or dottybacks. Newly imported coral gobies can be shy feeders, so make sure small foods reach the fish and check that it is eating well. A secure lid is recommended, as small gobies may jump if startled.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
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.