Dragon Goby

With its long, snake-like body, tiny eyes and the small teeth visible in its mouth, the dragon goby has a "monster" look. In fact it is a peaceful, shy fish: it takes sand into its mouth and sifts it, feeding on the small organisms and organic particles inside. Its purple-gray body carries faint golden V-shaped markings. It grows to 30–40 cm in the aquarium and needs slightly salty water.

• At least 300 liters and 150 cm in length for an adult.
• Brackish water made with marine aquarium salt: a specific gravity of 1.005–1.012.
• Fine, soft sand substrate; it feeds by sifting sand.
• Pipes and caves; it likes tunnels to hide in. Use a tight-fitting lid.

Omnivorous. Sinking granules, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and mysis; it also takes algae wafers. Its eyesight is poor, so place food near where it hides.

Shy and peaceful; it spends most of its time in the sand or inside tunnels. It may eat dwarf shrimp.

Good companions: calm species that adapt to the same salinity: silver mono, scat, mollies acclimated to brackish water, archerfish.

Avoid: puffers and aggressive species that might bite it, dwarf shrimp, species that need fully fresh water.