Hector's goby

Koumansetta hectori, formerly Amblygobius hectori, is a small, elegant sand- and rubble-associated goby from Indo-Pacific reefs, reaching about 9 cm. It is dark brown to black with bright yellow longitudinal lines and blue-ringed ocelli on the dorsal fin and tail base that mimic eyes to deter predators. A peaceful, active fish, it sifts fine sand and picks detritus, micro-crustaceans and algae, helping keep the substrate clean. Provide a mature reef tank from about 110 litres with a fine sand bed, live rock and secure hiding spots; it coexists well with other calm fish but a second Koumansetta should only be added as a bonded pair. Maintain reef parameters: temperature 24-27 C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 33-35 ppt. Feed varied small foods including mysis, brine shrimp, cyclops and frozen preparations several times daily, as it grazes continuously.