Barsnout Goby
Elacatinus illecebrosus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | Small - Captive Bred - Caribbean | Original price was: $75.99.$39.99Current price is: $39.99. | Email me |
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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.
| 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 Barsnout Goby (Elacatinus illecebrosus) is a small cleaner goby that often performs “inspection” passes on larger fish, picking at tiny ectoparasites and loose tissue as part of normal cleaning interactions. It’s identified by a pale bar between the eyes and a thin blue line running along each side, making it a natural fit for nano reef and pico reef displays where you want constant, close-up activity.
What You’ll Observe:
- Perching on rockwork, then making short darting swims between favorite spots
- Pausing near other fish and making quick, precise pecks during cleaning-style interactions
- Spending time in open view, especially once it has established a few regular perches
- Becoming more visible at feeding time and tracking small foods through the water column
To help it settle in, provide multiple small ledges and crevices in the rockwork so it can choose a few “stations” around the tank. Offer small meaty foods (like finely chopped frozen blends, mysis-sized items, and quality micro pellets) on a consistent routine so it stays engaged even when it isn’t cleaning. A tight-fitting lid helps keep this active goby focused on the tank instead of exploring above it.
Does a Barsnout Goby actually “clean” fish in home aquariums?
Many keepers observe cleaner-goby behavior (hovering near fish and making quick pecks), but it varies by individual and by tankmate tolerance.
Will it take prepared foods quickly, or does it only hunt natural snacks?
Most do best when they learn frozen/pellet foods early; once they recognize feeding time, they usually stay in the open more and feed more confidently.
Can I keep two Barsnout Gobies together without issues?
Pairs can work when they settle as a bonded duo, but two random individuals may not share space the same way, especially in compact rockwork layouts.
Why does it “park” on one spot and then suddenly dart away?
That perch-and-dart pattern is typical goby station behavior—many choose a few favorite lookout points and make quick loops to investigate movement and food.
Is it normal for a cleaner goby to pester certain fish with too much attention?
Yes—some fish tolerate cleaning well while others find it annoying, so you may see the goby repeatedly attempt short inspections on the same tankmate.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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