Saltwater Fish
Yellow Clown Goby

Species Description…

Scientific Name: Gobiodon okinawae
Common Name: Yellow Clown Goby
Species Group: Goby
Habitat: Reef Safe
Care Level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet Type: Omnivore
Role in Aquarium: Community Fish
Max Fish Length: 2.5 (inches)
Min Aquarium Size: 30 (gallons)
Native Range: Indo-Pacific, including Okinawa (Japan), the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef
Gobiodon okinawae - Yellow Clown Goby

Gobiodon okinawae (Yellow Clown Goby)

Overview

  • Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly found in coral reefs.
  • Recognized for its vibrant yellow coloration and small, stocky body.
  • Peaceful and reef-safe, making it a great addition to nano and reef tanks.
  • Often seen perching on coral branches, where it establishes a territory.
  • Displays strong site fidelity, preferring to remain within a small area.

Feeding

  • Carnivorous diet, primarily feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small invertebrates.
  • Readily accepts high-quality frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.
  • Supplementing with finely chopped seafood enhances health and coloration.
  • Can adapt to pellet and flake food but prefers a varied diet.
  • Multiple small feedings per day support their high metabolism.

Habitat

  • Commonly found in branching corals such as Acropora species.
  • Prefers calm reef environments with ample hiding spaces.
  • Requires a well-established tank with stable water parameters.
  • Best kept in tanks with live rock and coral structures to mimic its natural habitat.
  • Ideal for nano tanks but thrives in larger reef setups as well.

Fish Care

  • Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
  • Ideal pH range: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.023-1.026.
  • Requires stable water quality and low-stress conditions.
  • Prone to being outcompeted for food by faster-moving tank mates.
  • Regular water changes help maintain optimal health and coloration.

Compatibility

  • Highly peaceful and best suited for non-aggressive community tanks.
  • Compatible with other small, peaceful fish such as clownfish, gobies, and firefish.
  • Should not be housed with aggressive species or large predatory fish.
  • May be territorial towards other gobies, particularly of the same species.
  • Safe with corals but may occasionally nip at polyps in stress situations.

Aquarium Behavior

  • Spends much of its time perched on coral or rock formations.
  • Curious and social but not highly active swimmers.
  • Forms strong bonds with its environment and may establish a favorite perch.
  • Can be shy initially but becomes more confident with time.
  • Does well in pairs or small groups if introduced properly.