Hector's Goby

Hector's goby is recognized by the thin, bright yellow lines running along its body, whose color ranges from dark brown to almost black. It is a close relative of Rainford's goby (Koumansetta rainfordi), which has its own page on the site; in older literature it appears under the name Amblygobius hectori. In the wild it hovers alone just above the bottom in sheltered bays and inner reefs, on fine rubble and sand areas shaded by large live corals. Filamentous algae and small crustaceans are found in its stomach contents; for this reason, in a mature aquarium it constantly picks at the rocks. Because of its shy nature it struggles with active and tough fish.

• At least 75 liters; a mature aquarium with plenty of live rock.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe: it leaves corals and invertebrates alone.
• Sand substrate, rock crevices and shaded corners.
• It can jump when frightened; a lid is essential.

Omnivorous. Offer small frozen foods (mysis, copepods, enriched brine shrimp) and fine granules; the natural food and algae on the rocks are an additional source. Feed small amounts twice a day and get the food to it before the fast-eating fish.

Very peaceful and shy. It can be territorial towards its own species and similar gobies; keeping a single specimen is safest.

Good companions: Clownfish, neon goby, cardinalfish, firefish goby, calm blennies, ornamental shrimp.

Avoid: Dottybacks, hawkfish, tough damsels, large wrasses and other Koumansetta species.