The Dragon Goby, also known as the Violet Goby or Dragon Fish (scientific name: Gobioides broussonnetii), is a unique and intriguing species of fish that is popular in the aquarium hobby. Native to the coastal waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, the Dragon Goby inhabits brackish and freshwater environments from Florida to Brazil. They are often found in estuaries, mangroves, and river systems.
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Physical Features
The Dragon Goby has an elongated, eel-like body that can grow up to 24 inches (60 cm) in length, although they typically reach about 15–20 inches in captivity. They have a distinctive appearance with their slender body, iridescent violet color, and a dorsal fin that runs along the entire length of their back, giving them the appearance of a dragon. Despite their fierce look, their eyes are very small and their eyesight is poor. Their mouth is lined with small pointed teeth, but they use it mainly for sifting through the substrate to find food, and they are harmless to people.
Diet
Dragon Gobies are primarily bottom-dwelling scavengers that feed on small invertebrates, detritus, and algae. In captivity, their diet can consist of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and mysis shrimp, as well as sinking pellets and algae wafers.
Because they see poorly and feed slowly, Dragon Gobies can lose out to faster tank mates. Make sure enough food reaches the bottom near where they hide.
Aquarium Care
Dragon Gobies require a spacious aquarium due to their potential size, with a minimum tank size of 55 gallons recommended. They thrive in brackish water with a specific gravity between 1.005 and 1.010, made by adding marine salt mix and checked with a refractometer or hydrometer. Keep the temperature in the range of 72–78°F (22–26°C) with a reliable heater and a thermometer. They can tolerate a wide range of pH levels, from 6.5 to 8.5. Test the water regularly with a test kit.
It is crucial to provide plenty of hiding spaces and a soft sand or fine-grain substrate, as they like to burrow and dig. Smooth rocks, caves, or hide tubes work well. Use a tight-fitting lid, since eel-shaped fish can slip through small gaps. Dragon Gobies are generally peaceful but can be territorial with their own kind, so it is best to keep only one per tank or ensure ample space for multiple individuals. Tankmates should be peaceful and able to tolerate brackish water conditions.
Overall, the Dragon Goby is an interesting and unique addition to a brackish water aquarium, but it does require specific care and attention to its needs.
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