Violet Gobies are more popularly known as Dragon Gobies since they actually look like dragons. These fish are usually found in brackish waters where the ocean and river meet. As such, caring for them will require a few unique steps that are not usually done when you are taking care of other species of tropical fish.
- Set up your aquarium. A Violet Goby can grow over a foot in length so getting a fairly big aquarium is a must so that your Violet Goby will have sufficient space to swim around. Buy a tank that is at least 55 gallons. Fill the tank with sand instead of gravel substrate. This is to avoid having problems during the feeding process. Violet Gobies are naturally filter feeders. They sift out tiny worms, algae or shrimps through the substrate. Everything that they do not eat will pass through their gills for disposal. Gravel substrate will most likely damage the Goby's gills.
- Ascertain the water's salinity level. Violet Gobies are typically found in salty waters so be sure to replicate this environment as much as possible for your aquarium pet. Most Violet Gobies will prefer a salinity level of 1.006 to 1.008. Obtain some marine salt and a hydrometer which you will use to measure the water's salt level.
- Feed your Violet Goby. Violet Gobies have very poor eyesight and because of this, they are often bullied by other fish during feeding time. If this is the case, you can feed your Violet Goby additional food during the night when the other fish are asleep. A variety of frozen or dried blood worms, brine shrimp or mysis shrimp can be fed to your Goby. Veggie flake food or algae wafers are very nutritious fish feed as well.
- Add aquatic plants. Aquatic plants not only add beauty to the overall look of your aquarium but also provide hiding places for your Goby. Since most plants do not like salty water, you will have a very limited choice of aquatic plants. Java fern and watersprite can survive in salty water so you may want to inquire from a fish supply store if they have these.
Violet Gobies may be insecure at first because of their limitations like poor eyesight. However, once they get used to their environment, they will get more comfortable and relaxed during feeding time. Although caring for them may require a little more extra effort, all the work is worth it if you see that your aquarium pet is happy and healthy.
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