Engineer goby

Wolf89 · Sep 13, 2019

I read that the engineer goby likes to burrow a lot and may topple rock structures, but if all of my rocks are directly on the sand, so is this really a problem?

nereefpat · Sep 13, 2019

Wolf89 said:
I read that the engineer goby likes to burrow a lot and may topple rock structures, but if all of my rocks are directly on the sand, so is this really a problem?

Yes, that's a problem. Rocks would need to be directly on the glass, not on the sand.

Engineer gobies will dig tunnels under the rocks, causing a live rock avalanche.

Johniejumbo · Sep 13, 2019

I had 3 of them years ago. Loads of fun to watch. Busy little cave makers indeed. They will dig under you rocks and they can shift and injure the fish. Though I never had that happen to mine I suppose it’s possible.

Wolf89 · Sep 13, 2019

nereefpat said:
Yes, that's a problem. Rocks would need to be directly on the glass, not on the sand.

Engineer gobies will dig tunnels under the rocks, causing a live rock avalanche.

Sorry I meant to say directly on the glass! Brain fart

Dragon52 · Sep 13, 2019

had one, never again. As stated digs everywhere & makes rocks unsteady.

vetteguy53081 · Sep 13, 2019

Mine once in a blue moon will build a hill but for the most part has its own little zone and sticks with it and its' 12+"

Aheinz · Oct 21, 2019

how are these guys when looking at having jawfish, or smaller goby species? are they prone to going after smaller fish? I was always interested in one, plus the eel like look would be awesome

Rxwanless · Oct 21, 2019

Wolf89 said:
I read that the engineer goby likes to burrow a lot and may topple rock structures, but if all of my rocks are directly on the sand, so is this really a problem?

Yes this is a real problem, I have one about 4 inches long. Dig under everything and rocks do settle and fall. Currently I have an acrylic tank so no risk of crack. When I upgrade to glass, I will place rocks directly on glass then add sand around them. Great fish but burrow a lot