Care
The Firecracker Goby is known from rubble slopes at the base of vertical cliffs at depths between 22-50m (72-164 ft). Here they typically hover obliquely or vertically just a few centimetres above the substrate. These diminutive, but eye-catching fish have a beautiful semi-translucent white body with pinkish-red areas and relatively large, bright red irregular spots scattered over the head and body. Firecracker Gobies are active but passive and make a great addition to peaceful reef aquaria; their small adult size making them ideal for nano set-ups. The tank should be furnished with plenty of live rock to create a multitude of hiding places, and this will also be used as a supplemental food source. Firecracker Gobies are best kept in small groups, but do ensure they are all of approximately the same size and are added to the aquarium simultaneously. Plenty of visual barriers amongst the decor should also help to ensure that minor territorial squabbles do not arise. Tankmates should be small and peaceful, as pugnacious species will intimidate these miniature bottom dwellers and prevent them from feeding. Ensure that the tank has tight fitting coverslides as Firecracker Gobies have been known to jump from open-topped aquaria. May also be seen on sale as Red Spotted Dwarf Goby.
Feeding
Will consume a wide range of meaty fare including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, baby brineshrimp, lobster eggs, finely shaved krill/prawns etc. If reluctant to feed at first, use a turkey baster to direct some food lower down in the tank to where the gobies may be resting in amongst the rockwork. Feed small amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
