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The chalk goby is a slim, elongated fish with a pale white to grey body often marked by subtle yellow or blue highlights. They’re most famous for their constant sand-sifting behaviour, which helps aerate the substrate and keep your tank clean. One of the most unique aspects of chalk gobies is their hard-working nature. You’ll often spot them scooping up mouthfuls of sand, filtering it for food, and spitting it out—creating little sand mounds in the process. They’re peaceful, reef-safe, and tend to stay close to the substrate, making them perfect for tanks with corals and other delicate species. Despite their hardy appearance, they do have a shy temperament and can easily be stressed by tank mates that are too boisterous. Chalk gobies are best kept solo or as a bonded pair unless you have a large enough aquarium to accommodate more.
I’ll never forget the first time I spotted one in my local aquarium shop—its vibrant colours instantly hooked me, sparking my journey into understanding its care needs. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your chalk goby fish thriving, from tank setup to feeding and health tips.
Choosing Your Chalk Goby Fish
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Setting Up the Perfect Tank
Chalk gobies are happiest in well-established marine tanks with fine sand substrates. A minimum tank size of 100 litres is recommended, though larger is always better—especially if you plan to keep more than one. They thrive in temperatures between 24–26°C, with a pH range of 8.1–8.4 and salinity at 1.023–1.025. Good water quality is essential, so a reliable protein skimmer and regular maintenance are a must. When it comes to water flow, chalk gobies prefer moderate flow. Too much can stress them and blow sand everywhere, while too little may allow detritus to settle. Ensure there are plenty of hiding spots—live rock caves and shaded areas will help your goby feel safe and secure. A secure lid is also critical; chalk gobies are known jumpers, particularly when first introduced to a new environment.
Feeding Your Chalk Goby Fish
Chalk gobies naturally graze throughout the day by filtering sand for tiny organisms, but that alone won’t be enough to sustain them in captivity long-term. Supplement their diet with frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality sinking pellets. Feed once or twice daily. It’s important that food reaches the substrate, as gobies rarely come up to mid-water to feed. If your tank is newly set up or lacks a deep sand bed full of life, be extra diligent with feeding. Some hobbyists enrich their tank with live pods before introducing a chalk goby to help them transition. Consistency is key—malnourished gobies can become lethargic and more susceptible to illness, so regular feeding is essential.
Health and Maintenance
While chalk gobies are generally hardy, they can be prone to parasites like marine ich (white spot), particularly if stressed. Signs to watch for include rapid gill movement, white spots, scratching against rocks, or refusal to eat. Another common issue is weight loss, especially in gobies that don’t receive enough supplemental food. Monitor their belly—sunken stomachs are an early sign of malnutrition. Quarantining new arrivals is always recommended to avoid introducing diseases into your main tank. If your goby does fall ill, treat in a separate tank using reef-safe medications where possible. In terms of maintenance, keep a close eye on your sand bed and water parameters. Regular water changes, sand siphoning, and filter cleaning will help maintain optimal conditions and reduce the likelihood of disease.
Caring for a chalk goby fish takes some effort, but the payoff is immense. With the right tank setup, a tasty and varied diet, and a bit of TLC, you’ll have a dazzling centrepiece for your aquarium. Got any questions or your own goby tales? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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