As many already know, I received a breeding trio of Australian Desert Gobies (Chlamydogobius eremius) about a week ago. I had been looking for this species for about a year and I’m always outbid on the few times I saw them posted on Aquabid.
I’ve wanted some of these fish because they can live in extreme temperatures, as low as the mid-40s and also in water over 100 degrees (Fahrenheit). Although they do best in brackish (slightly salty) conditions, they don’t necessarily have to be in brackish.
Unfortunately, they don’t live all that long–only a year or so. That is offset a bit because they breed frequently and easily. In fact, I already have a litter of eggs in the tank, and in a couple of days will need a grow-out tank.
Usually, you set out PVC pipe sections and the fish lay the eggs in there, because they are cavity spawners and the pipes are easy to move into another tank to prevent cannibalism of the fry. I have three PVC pipe sections, but they decided to lay the eggs inside a small cave formed by one rock leaning on another one. Fortunately, I glued the rocks together with aquarium silicone, so I think I can still move the eggs once I can see eyes.
The male defends the eggs and fans them with his fins to prevent fungus growth. The females are drab tan-colored, but the males get some lovely blue, yellow and black coloration on their fins. (Follow the first link above for a photo).
