Catalina Gobie

[JohnH]

My LFS has a couple of Catalina Gobies that I think really have great colors . Anyone care to comment ont heir experiences with them?? Thanks!

[slash7]

They are indeed a beautiful fish, however they don't belong in a tropical tank. They come from cooler waters and seem to do best with water temps in the mid to upper 60's F. Trying to keep them in the warmer waters that we maintain for our reefs will soon kill them. In other words, don't bother purchasing these fish.

[JohnH]

Hhmm, that contradicts what Pet Warehouse says about this fish. they say it is from the Western Pacific & prefers temps from 72 - 78 degrees. Anyone else have an opinion or experience with these?

[Alice]

I'm not sure of their exact temp range but I do know that most temps in reef tanks are too high for them and shortens their life span considerably which isn't very long to begin with, a couple of years if I remember correctly (OK! that's it...I'm getting a new fish ref book this week ) They are a temperate water fish rather than a "reef" fish. Beautiful though!

[fishinchick]

I sail out to catalina all the time and see these goofy little salt water commedians. You can keep them in a tropical aquarium but they dont last long because they do prefer colder water.

Catalina is usually about 60-68 degrees F. you have to wear a wetsuit most of the year. It is pretty cool water. Last time we went I decided not to wear a wetsuit and turned blue, this was in the middle of July.

My guess is that the catalina goby being found off the coast of CA means its tropical but our currents keep Catalina water a little on the cooler side and its not as warm as say, Long Beach where the water can reach 72 F.

If you live close to CA and get a chance to go to Catalina, I suggest going to Two Harbors and snorkel or dive there to see these guys in the wild, they are too funny.

[MontanaRocknReefer]

I as well agree with everyone that catalina gobies require cooler temperatures than what is provided in a reef aquarium. JMO Johnny

[JohnH]

it's unanimous!! Thanks for all the opinions!!