Care
The Court Jester Goby, also known as Rainford's Goby (or sometimes simply referred to as "Old Glory"), is known from the sandy and muddy bottoms of turbid, coastal coral reefs, up to30m (98ft) in depth. This is a delicate little fish that requires a mature reef tank with plenty of live rock and sand to provide constant grazing opportunities. It is best to keep either one specimen per tank or a known mated pair " the latter only if you are blessed with a large system that affords a plethora of hiding places and ample grazing for both fish. Without an ongoing supply of microscopic live foods and crops of filamentous algae to browse upon, these fish will not fare well; an additional supply of tiny foods for this purpose could be cultured constantly in a fishless refugium. This beautiful fish are rarely aggressive towards other species and should only be housed with other fish of similar size and temperament, avoiding close relatives and species such as dottybacks and hawkfish which are prone to picking on small, docile gobies and the like. Ensure that the aquarium has tight-fitting coverslides, as these fish are expert jumpers. Lighting should be turned on and off gradually, so as not to startle these fish. Not recommended for beginners.
Feeding
Absolutely MUST be kept in an established tank with plenty of live rock and a living sand bed, which will provide a natural supply of tiny invertebrate foods and various types of filamentous algae. In addition, offer small meaty items such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, baby brine shrimp, finely chopped Mysis shrimp, finely chopped krill, etc. However, be sure to make the foodstuffs a small enough size for the Court Jester Goby to eat, and target feed where necessary.
Breeding
This species has spawned in the home aquarium, but raising the microscopic larvae is extremely challenging. The male will create a suitable cave, usually under the rockwork and will entice the female to spawn. Once the egg mass has been laid/fertilised, the male drives off the female and guards the cave until the eggs hatch, which is usually at around 72 hours (temperature dependent). The resultant larvae are just under 2mm in length and will require feedings of minuscule foods once the milk sac has been absorbed.
