Pairing Green Banded Gobies

Abby · Feb 6, 2017

Hi all, my LFS got in two GBGs last week. I was admiring their cute little faces and seemingly fearless attitudes when I decided I needed one for my Nuvo 10. After bagging the first, I gave in and got the second too. I looked into pairing these, and I identified that I believe one is definitely a male (dorsal spine present) and the one should be a female (same size, no dorsal spine present.)

I added them at the same time, as everything I read recommended, and they showed some attitude for about two days, which seemed to be expected. It has now been five days, and they seem unconcerned with each other. They don't want to hang out together, but also they aren't seeking each other out to fight. If it explains any behavior, the GBG that seemed more aggressive at the beginning was the one I think is a female. The male seemed far less agitated and aggressive.

Am I in the clear? Is this a good sign for gobies that will continue to get along, and eventually show clearer pairing behavior? I don't want to keep two fish that would be living in stress caused by each other.

Hyde2406 · Feb 6, 2017

Following I always wanted a bunch of citron, painted, green and panda gobys in a nano. Sounds like they have figured out their territory, give it time maybe it isn't love at first sight

melypr1985 · Feb 6, 2017

I've never tried this, but I'd like to follow along and see what happens with yours.

Legendary Corals · Feb 6, 2017

I had a pair of GBG. They showed the same behavior that you mentioned. They don't really swim together the same way a clownfish pair would. Just that one stays male and the other female.

Abby · Feb 8, 2017

Well, the tiny stinkers both just came to the front of the tank and are hanging out together with no obvious threatening or intimidating behavior. Pretty pleased so far! For those interested, it was a full week before I observed them near each other like this. Sorry there's algae on the glass in the photo, it's not up to my standards.