Monk Goby
The monk goby lives in freshwater as an adult, but its larvae drift to brackish and salt water. It was originally discovered and classified in southern Japan by the great ichthyologist Shigeho Tanaka in 1909. Unfortunately this goby is so rare in the aquarium trade that a lot more is written about Dr. Tanaka (who lived 96 years, proof that ichthyology extends your life) than about the monk goby. Also called the grazing goby, these gobies eat lots of algae and will eat film algae on glass and rocks in the aquarium. Since these fish need veggies, we suggest dropping a couple of algae wafers in the tank each week.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Sicyopterus japonicus |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan and Taiwan |
FAQ
What kind of diet does the monk goby require?
The monk goby primarily eats algae, including film algae on glass and rocks. It is recommended to provide algae wafers once or twice a week to supplement its diet.
Is the monk goby suitable for beginner aquarium keepers?
The monk goby is a rare species and requires specific conditions to thrive. It may not be ideal for beginner aquarists due to its limited availability and specialized care needs.
What is the origin of the monk goby?
The monk goby is native to Japan and Taiwan.
Irene Thomson –
I’ve had the monk goby for three months now and it’s been very active, constantly grazing on the algae on the glass. It’s a peaceful fish and fits well in my community tank. I feed it algae wafers weekly and it seems to enjoy them.
Charles Grant –
The monk goby is a unique addition to my aquarium. It’s not common, so I was excited to have it. It’s active and clean, helping to keep the tank algae-free. I do need to be consistent with feeding algae wafers.
Charles Baker –
I bought this fish hoping for a rare and interesting species. It’s calm and eats algae regularly. However, it’s not very interactive and I haven’t seen much movement. Still, it’s a good choice for a quiet, algae-eating fish.