Engineer Goby

Engineer Goby

Pholidichthys leucotaenia

Also known as: Convict Goby

🧂 Saltwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟡 Moderate 🥩 Carnivore Schooling (3+) Reef Safe (Caution)

Juveniles look like striped catfish; adults are eel-like with mottled coloring. Builds elaborate tunnel systems under rocks.

Tank Size

55 gal
minimum (75+ preferred)

Temperature

74–82°F
23–28°C

pH Range

8–8.4
water acidity

Max Size

13"
33.0 cm

Lifespan

10+ years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Extensive burrowing can undermine rockwork — secure all rocks to the tank bottom. Grows much larger than expected.

Feeding

Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine pellets, and other meaty foods.

Compatible Tank Mates

Orange Skunk Clownfish 4.5" Melanurus Wrasse 5" Yellow Coris Wrasse 5" Diamond Goby 6" Leopard Wrasse 5" Exquisite Fairy Wrasse 5" Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish 8" Bellus Angelfish 7" Lamarck Angelfish 9" Watanabei Angelfish 6" Blue Star Leopard Wrasse 5" Scott's Fairy Wrasse 5"

Use Caution With

Ocellaris Clownfish 3" True Percula Clownfish 3" Blue Green Chromis 3" Blue Tang 12" Yellow Tang 8" Kole Tang 7" Clarkii Clownfish 5" Tomato Clownfish 5" Scopas Tang 8" Naso Tang 18" Convict Tang 8" Cinnamon Clownfish 5"

Incompatible With

Maroon Clownfish 6" Yellowtail Damselfish 2.5" Blue Devil Damselfish 3" Powder Blue Tang 9" Achilles Tang 10" Purple Tang 10" Three Stripe Damselfish 3" Domino Damselfish 5" Azure Damselfish 2.5" Springer's Damselfish 2" Four Stripe Damselfish 3" Neon Damselfish 2.5"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Engineer Goby is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.