Clown Goby and SPS's are they 100% incompatible?

[TL1000RSquid]

I've recently started up an additional tank just a 20g nano, one of the fish I had wanted to stock in it is a black clown goby but after doing some reading I see they may nibble on SPS's as I've not started stocking corals yet I was wondering if they're any types the goby would leave alone?

 

[andy13]

50/50 I know an equal amount that have had no issues and some that have major damage done

 

[davocean]

I'm not sure I'd say it's 50/50 on nipping, I'd say almost all if not all will nip sps, but some people have large enough systems and enough sps that the damage is spread around a bit more and less noticeable.

 

[TL1000RSquid]

Thanks for the info, I think I'll pass on getting one then.

 

[RG Rude]

Priolepis ascensionis, or Ascension Goby. I have two in the same 29 gallon mixed reef tank. Great fish if you can get used to the fact that they hang out under ledges so they spend thier whole life swimming upside down. Very cool fish.

 

[TL1000RSquid]

Those do look pretty cool, never seen them in my LFS and don't see any online sources either, did you get yours online or local?

 

[RG Rude]

Those do look pretty cool, never seen them in my LFS and don't see any online sources either, did you get yours online or local?

I got them from a guy in Reston Va that is now out of the LFS part of the trade. I didn't necessarily even want them. I sure am glad now that he pushed them. I love them. They dart out upside down from the overhangs to snatch pieces of Rods before the piggy clowns or the RBTA's get them. Sorry I can't be more helpful with a vendor.

 

[velvetelvis]

I used to have a G. histrio clown goby in a 34 full of SPS (various Montipora species). He loved to perch in my colonies of digitata, but I never saw him nipping them and they didn't look any worse for the wear.

I've only heard of them nipping SPS when they spawn (to create a surface for egg-laying). I originally had a pair, but one died before long and I never got a replacement, so obviously there was no breeding activity. I don't know if this made a difference or not.

 

[RG Rude]

Here is a pic of my male Ascension Goby. My female only darts out from under the ledge for food and is too hard to photograph.

 

[TL1000RSquid]

I used to have a G. histrio clown goby in a 34 full of SPS (various Montipora species). He loved to perch in my colonies of digitata, but I never saw him nipping them and they didn't look any worse for the wear.

I've only heard of them nipping SPS when they spawn (to create a surface for egg-laying). I originally had a pair, but one died before long and I never got a replacement, so obviously there was no breeding activity. I don't know if this made a difference or not.

Maybe I'll reconsider later down the road when the tank is more well stocked, I did only want one not a pair so that is good if true.

RG looks great going to ask at my LFS if maybe they can order them.