Adding a second Neon Goby- How risky is it?

[tjgr34]

I have a 36-gallon corner aquarium with about 30 lbs of rock work. Here is a link to the build thread. The tank currently has one Neon Blue Goby and one Yellow Assessor in it. I really like the goby and would like to add another, but am concerned about DFS's warning about intra species aggression. Does anyone have experience adding a second Elacatinus fish to a tank that already contains a fish from that genus? I was thinking that adding a Yellowline Goby or a Tiger Goby might reduce the risk of conflict because of their different coloration. Please let me know what you think.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Another will likely not be tolerated. They aggressively defend their perceived territory from other cleaners. The exception would be if you could get one of the opposite gender.

 

[tjgr34]

They aggressively defend their perceived territory from other cleaners.

That's kinda what I figured. I don't think it's worth taking a chance and hoping to get a compatible mate. Thanks for your input.

 

[Stubaca]

I had 2 in a 80 gallon rimless for about 1 and a half years. Went on vaca and had a friend watching over the tank. Came back after a week and I was down to one. He said he never noticed and I never saw him on the ground. Anyway when I had them together I suppose I just got lucky. I still have one now getting close to 2 years. Never bothered to try and replace the one.

 

[Vanmo92]

I have a neon goby and a yellow sharpness goby, which is basically the same fish aside from color, and they are the best of friends. Hardly ever leave each other's side. I got them at the exact same time, idk if that has something to do with it.

 

[Vanmo92]

That was supposed to say "SharkNose" Goby. But for the life of me I can't find the edit post button lol.

 

[DFW]

That was supposed to say "SharkNose" Goby. But for the life of me I can't find the edit post button lol.

Become a paid supporter of the forum, and an "edit post" button will suddenly appear!

 

[tjgr34]

I got them at the exact same time, idk if that has something to do with it.

Unfortunately for me, I think it does. The little dude in my tank seems pretty confident that he's the #1 goby on the reef, although he spends most of his time on the very highest point of the rock work, or on the skimmer body at the back of the tank. I wonder if there's enough room in the tank for a couple of territories to exist.

 

[PCygni]

I have two in a 75 gallon and they are not friendly. For several months the big one chanced the little one and I thought I might have to put the little guy in my fuge. But now they seem to grudgingly tolerate each other. The chasing has slowed way down and they spend most of their time stationed on opposite ends of the tank. I get the feeling that a 4ft. tank is just big enough for them to both live in.

 

[tjgr34]

Did you introduce them at the same time, and were they both the same species?

 

[PCygni]

Did you introduce them at the same time, and were they both the same species?

Yes and yes.

 

[Reefersutherland_]

A male and female should be fine. But a male and a male might fight each other. I had two male hectors gobies and they fought to the death(of one) I know it's different species but still gobies...