Will Rainford's Goby eat hair algae?

Yes, they are one of the few small marine fish that actively graze on filamentous green hair algae, making them excellent utility fish for nano reefs.

Yes, while they spend much of their time hovering, they will frequently scoop up mouthfuls of sand to extract micro-crustaceans and algae, filtering the substrate through their gills.

Can I keep more than one Rainford's Goby together?

It is generally recommended to keep them singly or as a guaranteed mated pair. Two individuals of the same sex (especially males) in a smaller aquarium may fight over territory.

Why is my new goby losing weight?

This species struggles in new aquariums that lack established copepod populations and algae. They possess fast metabolisms and must be supplemented with small frozen foods like Calanus or baby brine shrimp multiple times a day if natural grazing is scarce.

Absolutely. They will not bother corals, clams, or decorative shrimp, making them a perfect addition to a mixed reef aquarium.

MarineMarineIntermediate

Rainford's Goby

Koumansetta rainfordi

A peaceful and striking nano-fish, Rainford's Goby is prized for its colourful stripes and unique appetite for filamentous hair algae.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 6 – 8 cm
Standard nano reef or larger: 75 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore with a strong preference for filamentous algae and small benthic crustaceans (copepods).
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Requires a mature aquarium with a sand bed, established live rock, and natural algae growth.

About the Rainford's Goby

Rainford's Goby, frequently traded as the Old Glory or Court Jester Goby, is a slender and exquisitely marked species native to the Western Pacific. Recognised for its distinctive horizontal orange stripes and prominent eye spots (ocelli), this goby adds a splash of vibrant colour to the lower regions of the aquarium. It typically hovers just above the substrate, moving gracefully from rock to rock as it surveys its environment.

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Where Rainford's Goby comes from

Native range

Western Pacific, Great Barrier Reef, Micronesia

Countries / regions

Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Fiji

Habitat

Inhabits shallow, sheltered reefs, lagoons, and muddy or sandy bottoms near coral outcrops.

Commonly found at depths between 2 and 30 metres.

Similar species

Hector's Goby
Koumansetta hectori
Randall's Goby
Amblygobius phalaena

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful surface or mid-water dwellers that will completely ignore the bottom-dwelling goby.
Great
Firefish
Nemateleotris magnifica
Placid tankmates that occupy a different ecological niche and will not compete for benthic food.
Great
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Completely reef-safe invertebrate that provides cleaning services without threatening small fish.
Great
Yellow Watchman Goby
Cryptocentrus cinctus
Both inhabit the lower levels of the tank; may cause mild territorial disputes in smaller aquariums.
Compatible with caution
Flame Hawkfish
Neocirrhites armatus
Predatory benthic fish that can harass, outcompete, or potentially eat slender gobies.
Not recommended

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