Elacatinus horsti, commonly called the Yellowline Goby, is a popular choice for marine aquarium enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and functional addition to their reef tanks. Recognisable by its striking yellow lateral stripe running from snout to tail, this goby is a natural cleaner fish, often seen picking parasites and dead tissue from other fish.
Care Level: Easy to moderate. This species adapts well to captive conditions but benefits from stable water parameters and a well-established aquarium.
Temperament: Peaceful and non-aggressive. Elacatinus horsti coexists well with other small, non-territorial fish and invertebrates.
Diet: Omnivorous. In captivity, offer a varied diet including high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and specialised marine pellets. Their natural cleaning behaviour supplements their diet.
Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (20 gallons) recommended to provide adequate swimming space and territories.
Lighting Requirements: Standard reef lighting is suitable; no special lighting needs.
Water Flow: Moderate water flow preferred to mimic natural reef conditions.
Placement: Best kept in established reef tanks with plenty of live rock for shelter and cleaning stations. They often perch on rocks and corals but do not harm reef inhabitants.
Origin: Western Atlantic, including the Caribbean Sea.
Maximum Size: Up to 5 cm (2 inches) in length.
Additional Notes: Elacatinus horsti is reef safe and beneficial for controlling ectoparasites on other fish. It is recommended to keep them singly or in pairs to avoid territorial disputes. Quarantine new specimens to prevent disease introduction.
