Engineering Goby

[corwise]

I've always liked the look of Engineering Gobies, and had one in my last tank. The LFS told me that they'd dig various burrows through your sand, wander around, look neat. Unfortunately, mine dug a single hole under a rock, and for two years all I saw was the tip of his head when he would grab some food that floated by. When I finally pulled him out of the tank he was 6+ inches long.
I was curious if this bahavior was typical, or do the majority of them actually allow themselves to be seen? I didn't have any aggressive tankmates, so no idea why he decided to disappear. Was debating adding one to my current tank, but not willing to do so if I never see him. Thanks.

 

[Matrexz]

That behavior is normal mine does that and so does every other one I've seen behave like that.

 

[scott0615]

Pretty typical behavior - you put a cool looking "eel-type" fish in your tank and a year later have a big "eel-looking" fish. I typically don't recommend them for a reef because of the potential rock avalanche it could create.

 

[corwise]

Oh well, thanks for the words. *shrug* I don't mind the fact that they get big, I just like to see the fish I buy. Thanks much.

 

[captbunzo]

The rock avalanche problem is less likely if your rock is put in before your sand....

 

[cmc0814]

Actually, every time I feed they come out. It's really neat....they swim forward and then do an exact reverse back into their holes. It is like pressing the rewind button. You should come over and see it sometime.

-Chris

 

[OUBrook]

I also find that behavior to be normal for engineers. We found that when we rearrange the rock sometimes they take a while to dig new burrows and allow themselves to quite openly be seen. I believe though, that if they have somewhere to hide, they would rather be there. Sorry I can't offer more advice other than moving your rock.

-Brook