Amblygobius nocturnus is a small, peaceful goby native to the Indo-Pacific region, popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts for its nocturnal activity and sand-sifting behaviour. This species is an excellent addition to community reef tanks where it helps aerate the substrate by sifting through sand in search of food.
Care Level: Moderate. This goby requires stable water parameters and a well-established tank with a sandy substrate to thrive.
Temperament: Generally peaceful and shy, best kept with other non-aggressive species. It may be territorial towards conspecifics or similar gobies, so house singly or as a mated pair in larger tanks.
Diet: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet including high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, supplemented with quality marine flakes or pellets. The sand-sifting behaviour also helps it find detritus and microfauna.
Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (approximately 20 gallons) to provide adequate space for natural behaviour and territory.
Lighting Requirements: Standard marine aquarium lighting is sufficient; this species is nocturnal and does not require intense lighting.
Water Flow: Moderate water flow is preferred to mimic natural reef environments.
Placement: Provide a sandy substrate with plenty of live rock for shelter and foraging. Ensure the tank is mature and stable before introduction.
Origin: Indo-Pacific region.
Maximum Size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches) in length.
Reef Safe: Yes, generally safe with corals and invertebrates, but caution advised with very small shrimp or similar small invertebrates.
