Clown Goby, Citrinis (Gobiodon citrinus) Overview
The Clown Goby, Citrinis (Gobiodon citrinus), is a tiny, bright yellow reef fish that adds color and personality to saltwater aquariums. Known for perching on coral branches and calmly watching the world go by, this goby is a favorite for nano reef keepers and larger mixed reefs alike. Despite its small size, it has a big presence and can become a real centerpiece fish when kept in the right setup.
If you’re planning a peaceful community reef, the Citrinis clown goby is an excellent option alongside other gentle species like firefish gobies and small clownfish.
Tank Requirements & Behavior
The Clown Goby, Citrinis stays small—usually around 1.5 inches (3–4 cm)—making it ideal for nano tanks, though it also does very well in larger systems.
Minimum Tank Size & Aquascape
- Minimum tank size: 10–15 gallons for a single goby; 20+ gallons is better for multiple fish.
- Rockwork: Provide plenty of live rock with nooks and perches. They love to sit on ledges and branches.
- Corals: In the wild, they associate strongly with branching SPS corals (especially Acropora). In aquariums, they’ll perch on any sturdy coral or rock structure.
Clown gobies are generally peaceful but can be a bit territorial with their own kind in small tanks. In larger systems, a pair or small group can coexist, especially if introduced at the same time and given multiple perching spots.
Tip: If you keep more than one Citrinis clown goby, add them together and rearrange some rockwork first. This helps reduce territorial behavior.
Reef Compatibility
The main concern with Gobiodon citrinus is their interaction with SPS corals. They may nip at the tissue of branching SPS, especially when spawning, which can irritate or stunt certain colonies.
- Generally safe with soft corals, LPS, and zoanthids.
- May irritate Acropora and other delicate SPS if they use them as nesting sites.
If you run a heavy SPS tank, you might want to focus on alternative nano fish such as those mentioned in our best nano reef fish guide.
Feeding & Daily Care
Clown Goby, Citrinis are carnivores that feed on tiny planktonic foods. In captivity, they usually adapt well to prepared foods, but variety is key to long-term health.
Diet
- Enriched frozen foods: mysis shrimp, cyclops, finely chopped krill.
- High-quality marine pellets and flakes sized for small mouths.
- Occasional live foods (baby brine shrimp, copepods) to encourage picky eaters.
Tip: Target feed near their favorite perch with a turkey baster or pipette. This ensures they get food before faster tankmates grab it.
Water Parameters & Health
- Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0; Nitrate as low as possible
They are fairly hardy once acclimated, but like all small reef fish, they are sensitive to poor water quality and sudden swings. Quarantine is strongly recommended, as with any new addition—see our general saltwater fish quarantine guide for step-by-step instructions.
Is the Clown Goby, Citrinis Right for Your Reef?
If you want a peaceful, colorful nano fish that spends its time perched and watching the tank, Gobiodon citrinus is a rewarding choice. It fits well in smaller aquariums, doesn’t require intense swimming space, and accepts a wide range of foods once settled. Just be mindful of its potential to irritate delicate SPS corals, especially in tightly packed Acropora-dominated systems.
For many mixed-reef hobbyists, the Clown Goby, Citrinis becomes a favorite “personality fish” that brings life and charm to the aquascape without adding much bioload. With stable water, thoughtful tankmates, and a varied diet, this little goby can thrive for years in your saltwater aquarium.
Sources
- Michael, S. W. (2001). Reef Fishes Volume 1. Microcosm Ltd.
- Michael, S. W. (2004). Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species. TFH Publications.
- FishBase: Gobiodon citrinus species summary (accessed 2024).
- Borneman, E. H. (2001). Aquarium Corals. Microcosm Ltd.
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