Firecracker Goby
Trimma rubromaculatus
Also known as: Red-blotched Pygmy-goby, Red-spotted Dwarfgoby
A tiny red-spotted goby with a quirky habit of hovering at odd angles near the seafloor.
About
The Firecracker Goby (Trimma rubromaculatus) is a pint-sized reef fish from the Western Pacific, where it makes its home on rubble slopes at the base of steep underwater cliffs. One of the first things you notice about this species in the aquarium is its unusual resting posture. Rather than lying flat on a surface like many gobies, it tends to hover just above the substrate at a tilted or near-vertical angle, which gives it a quirky, almost cartoon-like presence. The red spotting that earns it its common names is the other standout feature, scattered across a small but well-proportioned body that maxes out well under two inches. In the wild, these fish occupy a fairly specialized niche among rubble and rock debris, and replicating that environment in the tank with a mix of loose rubble, rockwork, and low-flow zones will help them settle in. Because of their small size and somewhat specific habitat preferences, they do best with keepers who have some experience with nano reef setups and can ensure appropriately sized live or frozen meaty foods reach them consistently. They are not a beginner fish, but for someone comfortable with small, delicate marines, they make a genuinely interesting addition.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Firecracker Goby
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Firecracker Goby get?
- The Firecracker Goby reaches about 0.5–1.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Firecracker Goby need?
- A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for the Firecracker Goby.
- What water parameters does the Firecracker Goby need?
- The Firecracker Goby does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Firecracker Goby aggressive?
- The Firecracker Goby is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Firecracker Goby eat?
- The Firecracker Goby is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Firecracker Goby live?
- With good care, the Firecracker Goby typically lives 3-5 years.
- Is the Firecracker Goby reef safe?
- The Firecracker Goby is generally considered reef safe.