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The Dragon Goby (Gobioides broussonnetii), also known as the Violet Goby or Eel Goby, is a truly unique and often misunderstood brackish water fish. Despite its imposing, serpentine appearance and impressive adult size, typically reaching 18-24 inches in home aquariums (though often staying smaller), it is an incredibly peaceful and shy bottom-dweller. Visually, it features a long, slender body with small, iridescent scales that shimmer with hues of purple, blue, and brown. Its most distinctive feature is a large, downturned mouth fringed with numerous barbels, which it uses to constantly sift through the substrate for micro-invertebrates and detritus. Originating from estuaries and mangrove swamps, a brackish water setup with a specific gravity of 1.005-1.010, temperatures between 75-82°F (24-28°C), and a pH of 7.0-8.5 is crucial for its long-term health. A minimum tank size of 55 gallons for a single specimen, or larger for groups, is recommended. The most critical aspect of its environment is a deep (3-4 inches) bed of fine sand, essential for its natural sifting and burrowing behaviors. Provide ample hiding spots like PVC pipes (which they often prefer over natural caves), driftwood, and sturdy plants. Dragon Gobies are omnivorous sifting feeders; their diet should include small, sinking foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, spirulina flakes, and high-quality sinking pellets. They are excellent community fish, compatible with other peaceful brackish species like mollies, bumblebee gobies, and certain peaceful brackish puffers. A tight-fitting lid is necessary as they are known jumpers. The Dragon Goby offers a captivating display of natural behavior for the dedicated aquarist willing to meet its specialized requirements.

Brackish water. Gentle giant, nearly blind filter feeder. Needs sandy substrate.