Dormitator lebretonis

Clay Goby

Classification

Eleotridae

Distribution

Occurs throughout Western Africa. It’s been recorded in Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Namibia and Angola.

Habitat

Inhabits coastal waters, including estuaries, lagoons and mangroves. It’s mainly found in brackish waters but has also been found in freshwater habitats.

Maximum Standard Length

4.8″ (12cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

Not a particularly active species. A tank measuring 30″ x 12″ x 12″ (75cm x 12cm x 12cm) – 70 litres is big enough for a pair.

Maintenance

A soft, sandy substrate is best, along with lots caves, nooks and crannies where it can lurk and form territories. Although it’s sometimes found in freshwater in nature, it will do better with the addition of salt to around 1/4 marine strength (1.005sg) in the aquarium, although it has also been kept successfully in hard, alkaline freshwater. It will be more active and visible during daylight hours if you provide dim lighting.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)

pH: 7.0-8.5

Hardness: 10-20°H

Diet

An unfussy goby that will accept most dried, frozen and live foods. It also enjoys some vegetable matter in its diet and will often browse on green algae if it is present in the tank. Try it on blanched spinach or nori (dried seaweed).

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Peaceful enough, but don’t attempt to keep it with much smaller species, as it will eat anything it can fit in its mouth. It may also nip the fins of slow-moving or long-finned species. Ideal tankmates are other hardwater or brackish species that inhabit different levels of the aquarium, such as archer fish, chromides, rainbowfish, Monos and Chanda species.

It can be kept in groups provided there is enough space, as it can be a little territorial with its own kind, especially rival males.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males develop extended rays in the anal and second dorsal fins and often develop a nuchal hump as they mature.

Reproduction

Has been achieved in the hobby but unfortunately it’s not very well-documented. Apparently, it spawns in caves or plant leaves if no caves are available. There are conflicting views as to whether it requires fresh or brackish water in which to breed.

NotesTop ↑

Not often seen for sale, but if you can find it, it makes a peaceful addition to the brackish or hardwater community of medium-sized fish. It was previously considered a member of the now defunct genus Batanga. The fish in our picture is a young specimen. Adults develop a pleasing pattern of reds and blues and are most attractive.