The 4-Wheel Drive Goby (Signigobius biocellatus): A Fascinating Addition to Saltwater Aquariums

Saltwater aquarium enthusiasts seek captivating and unique marine species to grace their underwater kingdoms. One intriguing addition is the 4-Wheel Drive Goby (Signigobius biocellatus), a fascinating fish with distinctive features and behaviors. The 4-wheel drive goby has two ‘eyes’ on each side of its dorsal fin, and black ventral and anal fins make it look like it is sitting on four black colored tires. That’s how it received its distinctive common name. We will explore its habitat, reef-safe nature, size, lifespan, diet, compatibility, and suitable tank mates.

Conditions for your 4-Wheel Drive Goby to Thrive

Habitat: The 4-Wheel Drive Goby is native to the Indo-Pacific region, commonly found in shallow coastal waters, lagoons, and protected reef areas. They are well adapted to life in the sandy substrate, where they create intricate burrows for shelter and safety.

Reef-Safe: These gobies are known for their peaceful nature and reef-safe behavior. They won't harm corals or other invertebrates in your aquarium, making them an ideal choice for reef tank enthusiasts.

Size and Lifespan: The 4-Wheel Drive Goby is a small-sized fish, reaching an average length of about 2 inches (5 cm). In a well-maintained saltwater aquarium, they can live up to 3 to 4 years, provided they receive proper care and a suitable environment.

Diet: In their natural habitat, 4-Wheel Drive Gobies primarily feed on small crustaceans, zooplankton, and tiny invertebrates. In a home aquarium, they accept various commercially available frozen and live foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and copepods. Providing them with a varied diet is essential to ensure their health and vibrancy.

Compatibility: These gobies are generally peaceful, making them compatible with many tank mates. However, they can be territorial towards their species and may exhibit aggressive behavior if kept with other similar-looking gobies. It's best to keep only one 4-Wheel Drive Goby per tank to avoid territorial issues unless you have a large aquarium with plenty of hiding spots.

Acceptable Tank Mates: The 4-Wheel Drive Goby can be housed alongside other peaceful fish species, such as small wrasses, clownfish, blennies, and other non-aggressive gobies. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish, as they might intimidate or harass the goby, leading to stress or injury.

Known by Other Names: The 4-wheel Drive Goby is the common name for this fish. It is also known by other common names such as The Twinspot Goby, Signal Goby, Two Spot Goby, and Hovercraft Goby.

In conclusion, the 4-Wheel Drive Goby (Signigobius biocellatus) is an enchanting and compatible addition to saltwater aquariums. Their reef-safe nature, small size, and peaceful demeanor make them suitable for community tanks with other non-aggressive species. To ensure their well-being and longevity, provide them with a sandy substrate to burrow in, a varied diet, and a stress-free environment. With proper care, these captivating gobies will undoubtedly become a delightful highlight in any marine enthusiast's underwater world.

Read More: 4-Wheel Drive Goby (Signigobius biocellatus): A Complete Guide to Care, Feeding and Tank Compatibility