Curious Worm Goby
Gunnelichthys curiosus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 2" or smaller - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $116.99.$61.99Current price is: $61.99. | 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 | Expert |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 5 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
Also known as the Curious Wormfish, Rainbow Goby, or Neon Worm Goby, Gunnelichthys curiosus is a slender, burrow-loving reef fish with bright lengthwise striping that reads blue and yellow under aquarium lighting.
In nature it lives around reefs over substrates it can disappear into, and it often keeps that same “in-and-out of the sand” routine in captivity.
What You’ll Observe:
- Low, eel-like hovering and gentle “wiggling” along the sandbed
- Quick dives into the substrate, especially during evening hours
- A head-first peek from a favorite burrow entrance once it’s settled in
- Focused feeding behavior near the bottom when food lands close by
Provide a soft sandy area so it can bury comfortably, and arrange rockwork so there are calm zones along the base of the reef. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis, brine, and finely chopped seafood) in a way that lets it feed near the sand while it learns your routine. Use a secure lid and tidy overflow protection so it stays in the display and continues its normal burrow-to-open-sand pattern.
Why is my Curious Worm Goby “missing” for long stretches?
It often adopts a burrow-and-appear routine, showing up in short windows when it feels settled and when food cues are consistent.
Do they prefer a specific style of sandbed?
They do best with soft sand they can easily cover themselves with, and they tend to pick one or two spots they return to repeatedly.
Can it be kept as a single, or is it better in a small group?
Both approaches can work; when kept with more than one, hobbyists typically aim for simultaneous introduction so each fish can choose a spot without being displaced.
Will it eat from the water column like other reef fish?
Many individuals start by taking food closer to the bottom and then become more open-water feeders once feeding time is predictable.
Why do I see it sold under different names?
It’s commonly listed as Curious Wormfish, Rainbow Goby, Neon Worm Goby, or Yellow-striped Worm Eel, but these are all used for the same species in the trade.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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