Gobies live in holes either found or dug from the sand
which serves as a place to bolt into when danger is near, while the Dartfish or Dart Gobies (which are not bottom oriented), swim above their protective caves!
Click on the names or small images below
to access each type of Mandarinfish or Dragonet.
The Gobies comprise a very large family of fish about which little is known.
They are similar to the blennies with long, blunt heads, except they
are usually more colorful. Their pelvic fins are fused to provide a
'suction disc' which they use to perch on rocks and the sea floor.
The Dartfish, also known as Dart Gobies, swim above the rockwork. They are primarily meat eaters so brine shrimp and finely
chopped meat or fish can be fed in the aquarium.
It is usually very difficult to tell males from females though during spawning males may change color and its fins may elongate during the spawning period. This is not the case
with all species though. Spawning occurs in borrows or caves with the
eggs being guarded by the male. Several species have been spawned in aquariums
including Gobiosoma oceanops, and Lythrypnus
dalli.
Don't see your favorite Goby or Dartfish here?
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