| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Parasite Control |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 10 gallons |
| Max Size | 2 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Stock | Small - Caribbean |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
The Broad-Stripe Neon Goby (Elacatinus prochilos) is a cleaner goby that may perform “cleaning station” behavior—picking at dead skin and external parasites on larger fish in the aquarium.
Its narrow body and bold lateral striping make it easy to spot when it perches on rockwork, and it’s a small Caribbean species that stays around nano-friendly size (about 4 cm).
What You’ll Observe:
- Short, quick swims between perches, then hovering in place on a favorite ledge
- Larger fish pausing nearby while the goby investigates them for a few seconds
- Most activity centered around one area of the aquascape, with frequent “check-in” laps
- Confident feeding on small pieces of meaty food once it recognizes your routine
- Occasional shooing matches if multiple similar gobies choose the same perch
Provide multiple small caves and perch points throughout the rockwork so it can choose a home base and move around calmly. Offer a mix of finely sized frozen foods (like mysis or brine) and small pellets so it can eat well even when it isn’t actively cleaning tankmates. A snug lid or mesh cover helps keep small gobies securely in the display.
Why doesn’t my neon goby “clean” other fish very often?
Some individuals clean frequently while others mostly behave like micro-predators that focus on prepared foods; both patterns are commonly reported by hobbyists.
Can I keep two Broad-Stripe Neon Gobies together?
Pairs can work well when there are enough perches and hiding spots, but similar gobies may still sort out personal space—adding them at the same time often helps.
Is it normal for a neon/cleaner goby to pick at a larger goby or bottom fish?
Yes—cleaner gobies may attempt to clean any “client-shaped” fish, and some tankmates accept it quickly while others need a little time to get used to the attention.
Do Broad-Stripe/Neon-type gobies tend to claim one “spot” in the tank?
Many keepers notice they develop a favorite perch or small route they repeat throughout the day, especially once they’re settled and feeding consistently.
Will this species spawn in reef tanks?
Cleaner/neon gobies are well known for pairing up and spawning in captivity when conditions are steady and they have a secure nook to use as a nest site.
We source from vetted suppliers known for healthy, long-lived specimens.
