Comb Goby

Ctenogobius stigmaturus, sometimes called the Spotfin Goby or Comb Goby, is a slender freshwater and brackish-water goby distributed from Mexico through Central America and into northern South America. It inhabits the sandy and muddy bottoms of coastal rivers, lagoons, and estuaries with moderate to slow current. The body is pale tan to grey with a series of dark lateral blotches or stripes forming a broken longitudinal band, and males develop a distinctive dark spot at the base of the first dorsal fin during breeding season. Its genus name refers to the comb-like arrangement of its outer jaw teeth. In the aquarium it is a lively, personable fish that spends most of its time perched on or hovering just above the substrate. It adapts well to fresh or slightly brackish water and is one of the more readily available New World freshwater gobies in the trade.

Water: 23–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 5–20, KH 3–12; adapts to fresh or low brackish (SG up to 1.005); moderate hardness tolerated. Tank: 60 L minimum; fine sand substrate; provide flat rocks and low-growing plants; gentle to moderate flow. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, and small sinking pellets; feeds eagerly. Breeding: Cave or benthic spawner; male guards eggs; larvae may be amphidromous in the wild. Compatibility: Peaceful; good with small tetras, livebearers, and other peaceful bottom fish; avoid aggressive tankmates.