Signal Goby (Cryptocentrus signatus)
Fish in the family Gobiinae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
The Signal Goby is a small goby with a mostly translucent to pale yellow body and distinctive large dark blotches or bands across the head and body. It has a characteristic flattened body shape typical of gobies, with eyes positioned dorsally. The fish displays bold contrasting markings that give it its common name.
Diet and feeding
Signal Gobies are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small crustaceans, copepods, and other zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, offer high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and small crustacean preparations multiple times daily to replicate natural feeding patterns.
Difficulty and care for the Signal Goby
The Signal Goby requires moderate care, being small and relatively hardy but demanding consistent water quality and regular feeding of appropriate small foods. It adapts reasonably well to established aquariums but does not tolerate poor conditions or erratic feeding schedules.
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole-in-the-head, Columnaris disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa through the Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding areas. Found in coastal reef environments at depths typically between 5–40 meters.
Log Signal Goby in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Signal Goby alongside everything else in your reef.
