Red Cap Goby
Elacatinus puncticulatus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 1.25 - 2.25" - East Pacific | Original price was: $63.99.$33.99Current price is: $33.99. | Email me | |
| Out of Stock | 1.25" or smaller - East Pacific | Original price was: $63.99.$33.99Current price is: $33.99. | Email me |
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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.
Shipping details →
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.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Parasite Control |
| Diet Type | Omnivore |
| 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 |
The Red Cap Goby (Elacatinus puncticulatus) is a small cleaner goby that may remove external parasites from larger fish, often using a favorite perch as a “cleaning station.” It has a distinct red head with fine accent striping and a compact body that fits naturally into nano reef and mixed reef displays. In the wild, this species is found on reefs in the eastern central Pacific from the Gulf of California to Ecuador.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering and perching on rock ledges, then making short dashes to grab passing food
- Frequent “check-in” laps around a preferred spot in the aquascape
- Other fish pausing nearby, especially once the goby settles into a routine
- More daytime visibility as it gets used to your feeding schedule
Provide stable rockwork with multiple small perches and keep a consistent, calm flow pattern around its favorite areas. Offer a mix of small frozen foods (like mysis or finely chopped meaty blends) plus appropriately sized pellets so it can feed easily throughout the day. With a steady routine, it becomes a reliable, active micro fish that stays on display.
Do Red Cap Gobies actually clean other fish in home aquariums?
Many hobbyists report seeing real cleaning behavior, but it varies by individual and by tankmates. Think of it as a helpful natural behavior you may observe, not something you need to depend on day-to-day.
How long does it take for a new one to start acting “normal” and staying out?
A settling-in period is common; many keepers see improved visibility after the fish learns where it likes to perch and recognizes the feeding routine. Consistent lighting and feeding timing help it establish that rhythm.
Can I keep two Red Cap Gobies together?
Keepers often suggest planning for either a single specimen or a bonded/matched pair, since similar gobies may quarrel when added randomly. Introducing them at the same time tends to go more smoothly in hobbyist reports.
Why does mine perch in one spot for long periods?
This is typical goby behavior—many choose a favorite ledge or nook and “work” that area, watching for food and interactions with passing fish. Over time it may expand its circuit as it gets comfortable.
I’ve seen “red head goby” used for different fish—how do I avoid a mis-ID?
Hobbyists frequently note that stores sometimes label multiple small red-headed gobies similarly. Matching the scientific name (Elacatinus puncticulatus) and comparing head/body patterning is the most reliable way to confirm what you’re getting.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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