Black Clown Goby | Gobiodon strangulatus

The Yellow Black Goby (Gobiodon strangulatus) is a tiny, black reef fish known for its charming personality and habit of perching among coral branches and rockwork. Its small adult size, peaceful disposition, and vibrant coloration make it an especially popular choice for nano and pico reef aquariums.

Care Level: Easy
Maximum Size: 1 inch
Minimum Tank Size: 5 gallons
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: With Caution
Diet: Carnivore
Temperature: 74–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.026
pH: 8.0–8.4

Provide plenty of rockwork and branching structures where the Black Clown Goby can perch and retreat when needed. Feed a varied diet of small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and appropriately sized prepared foods. While generally considered reef compatible, clown gobies naturally associate with branching corals and may occasionally nip at or irritate SPS corals, particularly Acropora. Their black coloration, manageable size, and entertaining perching behavior make them an excellent addition to peaceful nano and pico reef aquariums.