Engineer goby (Pholidichthys leucotaenia) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Convict blenny
Family
Pholidichthyidae (convict blennies)
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
34 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
400 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

Tank and decor: a deep sand bed and rocks. This fish digs under rockwork, so place rocks directly on the tank floor so they cannot collapse. The tank size given is an estimate. Little is given in our sources beyond the aquarium list; the notes below are general guidance for this kind of fish. Water: the sources give no species-specific figures, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and specific gravity 1.023–1.026. Keep nitrate low and the water well oxygenated. Identification: not a true blenny or goby. Juveniles are black and eel-shaped with a white stripe; adults are striped yellow and black. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Our sources give no diet. Offer a variety of meaty frozen foods such as mysis and chopped prawn.

Breeding

Not described in our sources.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe according to the list, but its digging can undermine corals placed on the sand. Peaceful.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
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