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Clay goby

Dormitator lebretonis

Also known as African sleeper goby

FreshwaterFish

Clay goby (Dormitator lebretonis)

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
7.0–8.2
Adult size
4.7 in
12 cm
Minimum tank
42 gal
160 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Social
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Eleotridae
Origin
West African coastal waters

Overview

The clay goby is a stocky West African sleeper that spends its time perched on the bottom, watching the tank from a favorite spot. It takes a little experience to keep well.

Did you know

The clay goby's genus name, Dormitator, comes straight from the Latin for a sleeper or sluggard. That is how these gobies pass the day, parked on one perch and barely moving until food drifts within reach and they strike.

Caring for the clay goby

Allow the clay goby at least 42 gal (160 L), with a sandy bottom, caves, shaded corners and dim lighting. Keep the water warm, hard and alkaline, at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.2. It prefers the higher, harder end of that range and also takes light brackish conditions.

The clay goby is an omnivore that hunts small prey and grazes algae and detritus. Feed it well on meaty foods, and let it graze algae and blanched greens.

It can be kept alone or in a small group where there is room. It is territorial with its own kind, so give a group space and plenty of caves to break up sight lines. It is generally calm, yet it eats smaller fish and may nip trailing fins. Keep it only with sturdy fish too large to swallow.

Aquarium breeding is barely documented. Spawns are reported in caves or on plant leaves, and reports conflict on whether brackish water is needed.

Good to know

Dormitator lebretonis is a sleeper goby in the family Eleotridae. It is the West African member of a genus otherwise found in the Americas. It is also sold as the African sleeper goby.

In the wild

The clay goby lives in coastal lagoons, estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers across West Africa. It keeps to soft sand among roots and leaf litter.

Common questions

What size tank does a clay goby need?

A clay goby needs at least 42 gal (160 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a clay goby need?

A clay goby is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.

What does a clay goby eat?

A clay goby is an omnivore. Give it meaty foods, and let it graze algae and blanched greens as well.

How big does a clay goby get?

An adult clay goby reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).

How does a clay goby breed?

Clay goby spawns have been reported in caves or on plant leaves, but aquarium breeding is barely documented. Reports conflict on whether it needs brackish water.

Related species