Yellow clown goby reef compatibility check
Gobiodon okinawae
Yellow clown goby (Gobiodon okinawae) is a beginner-level goby that needs at least 10 gallons. It is reef safe with caution; can perch in SPS and irritate coral tissue. Temperament is peaceful and adults reach about 1.5 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Tiny nano-friendly goby when coral-perching risk is acceptable.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 10+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Peaceful community tanks.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 10 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Reefs where the cautions on this page would put existing corals or inverts at risk.
- ✕ Can perch in SPS and irritate coral tissue.
Compatibility warnings
- Can perch in SPS and irritate coral tissue.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 10 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 10 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Caution
- Adult size
- 1.5 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 0.5
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Neon goby
Same 10-gallon floor, reef safe.
- Yasha goby
20+ gallons, intermediate care, reef safe.
- Yellow watchman goby
20+ gallons, reef safe.
- Diamond watchman goby
50+ gallons, intermediate care, reef safe.
Equipment that fits
- Innovative Marine 10 NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium Bundle
10-gallon display, above this animal's 10-gallon floor.
- Ultum Nature Systems UNS 60S Ultra Clear Rimless Aquarium
10-gallon display, above this animal's 10-gallon floor.
- Waterbox Cube 10 Nano AIO Aquarium
10-gallon display, above this animal's 10-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the yellow clown goby need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 10 gallons, based on an adult size of about 1.5 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the yellow clown goby reef safe?
It is reef safe with caution in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can perch in SPS and irritate coral tissue.
Is the yellow clown goby good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
When should I add the yellow clown goby to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.