Black Clown Goby – LiveAquaria
The Black Clown Goby is common within the reefs of the Indo Pacific, found usually among soft and hard coral colonies. They are a small stocky shaped fish with a very large head for their size. There are many different color variations, and this species is black in color. They are a peaceful fish that makes a wonderful addition to a reef aquarium containing colonies of polyp corals, as they enjoy swimming and hiding amongst the polyps. However, they may nip at the polyps of SPS corals.
The Black Clown Goby requires a 10-gallon or larger aquarium. They will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but will fight among their own kind in smaller aquariums. If the aquarium is large enough, a group may be simultaneously introduced. If branching coral is present, the group will form.
| Specifications |
|---|
| Species: Black Clown Goby |
| Origin: Indo Pacific reefs |
| Size: Small, stocky body |
| Behavior: Peaceful, may nip SPS coral polyps |
| Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons |
| Group Compatibility: Best in larger tanks; may fight in small groups |
FAQ
Can Black Clown Gobies live with other reef fish?
Yes, they are generally peaceful and work well with other reef fish, especially those in polyp coral colonies. They may nip at SPS coral polyps, so avoid housing them with sensitive SPS corals.
How many Black Clown Gobies should I keep in my tank?
A group of three or more is recommended in a tank of 10 gallons or larger. In smaller tanks, they may fight with each other.
Do Black Clown Gobies need specific types of coral?
They prefer environments with soft and hard coral colonies. They enjoy swimming among polyps but may nip at SPS coral polyps.

Pippa Dowd –
Added a group of Black Clown Gobies to my 20-gallon reef tank. They are active and enjoy hiding in the coral. No aggression with other fish, and they seem happy in the setup. Just made sure to keep polyps and avoid SPS corals.
Leonard Ince –
The fish are calm and curious. They swim through the coral and hide often. I noticed a few minor nips on a soft coral, but nothing serious. Works well in a larger tank with plenty of hiding spots.
Keith Bailey –
Great addition to my reef tank. The black color stands out. They form a natural group and seem to enjoy each other’s company. Tank is 15 gallons, and they’ve been thriving for three months.