Rainfordi Goby

Rainfordi Goby - A Jewel-Toned Reef Treasure

The Rainfordi Goby (Koumansetta rainfordi), also known as the Court Jester Goby or Old Glory Goby, is one of the most beautifully colored gobies available to reef keepers. With its vibrant orange-red body adorned with electric blue horizontal stripes and spots, this stunning fish brings exceptional color and peaceful personality to any reef aquarium. Its small size and gentle nature make it perfect for nano reefs and community tanks alike.

Key Features:

• Stunning Coloration: Vibrant orange-red body with brilliant blue horizontal stripes and spots
• Compact Size: Reaches only 2-3 inches, making it ideal for nano reefs and smaller aquariums
• Peaceful Temperament: Extremely peaceful with all tank mates, including other gobies
• Reef Safe: Completely safe with all corals and invertebrates
• Hardy & Adaptable: Captive-bred for superior health and easy acclimation to aquarium life
• Beginner Friendly: Easy to care for and readily accepts a variety of foods
• Active Swimmer: Constantly hovering in the water column, unlike many bottom-dwelling gobies

Care Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons; perfect for nano reefs
Diet: Carnivore - readily accepts frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality pellets
Temperament: Peaceful with all species, including other gobies
Reef Compatibility: Excellent - will not harm corals or invertebrates
Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced - suitable for all skill levels
Adult Size: 2-3 inches maximum

Behavior & Personality:

Unlike many gobies that spend their time on the substrate, the Rainfordi Goby is a mid-water hoverer that constantly swims in the water column, often near rockwork or coral branches. This active swimming behavior adds motion and life to your aquarium. They're curious, peaceful fish that often become quite bold once acclimated, swimming openly throughout the tank and coming to the front during feeding time.

Coloration & Appearance:

The Rainfordi Goby displays one of the most striking color combinations in the goby family:

• Base color ranges from bright orange to deep red
• Electric blue horizontal stripes run along the body
• Blue spots and markings accent the head and fins
• Large, expressive eyes with blue accents
• Colors appear even more vibrant under actinic lighting
• Well-fed specimens display the most intense coloration

Perfect for Nano Reefs:

The Rainfordi Goby is an ideal choice for nano reef aquariums due to its small adult size, peaceful nature, and stunning coloration. In tanks as small as 10 gallons, this fish can thrive and become a colorful centerpiece. They don't require large swimming spaces and are comfortable in smaller systems with adequate rockwork and hiding spots.

Feeding:

Rainfordi Gobies are easy to feed and readily accept a variety of foods. Offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality carnivore pellets 1-2 times daily. They have small mouths, so ensure food is appropriately sized. A varied diet maintains their vibrant coloration and supports optimal health. These gobies are active feeders and will eagerly compete for food during feeding time.

Compatibility:

The Rainfordi Goby is one of the most peaceful fish available and can be kept with virtually any tank mates, including:

• Other peaceful gobies (even multiple Rainfordi Gobies can coexist peacefully)
• Clownfish, blennies, dartfish, and other peaceful community fish
• Shrimp, crabs, snails, and all invertebrates
• All types of corals, including delicate soft corals and LPS

Avoid housing with aggressive fish or large predators that might view the small Rainfordi as prey.

Tank Setup:

Provide plenty of live rock with caves and overhangs where the Rainfordi Goby can retreat if startled. While they spend most of their time hovering in the water column, they appreciate having secure hiding spots nearby. Moderate water flow is ideal, as they're comfortable swimming in gentle to moderate currents. A secure lid is recommended, as gobies can jump if startled.

Pairing & Groups:

Unlike many gobies that are territorial with their own species, Rainfordi Gobies can often be kept in pairs or small groups in larger aquariums (20+ gallons). They may form pairs and display interesting social behaviors, though pairing is not required for their well-being.

Captive-Bred Advantage:

All our Rainfordi Gobies are captive-bred, ensuring superior health, disease resistance, and adaptability to aquarium conditions. Captive breeding also protects wild reef populations while providing you with a hardier, more resilient fish that's already acclimated to prepared foods and aquarium life.

Our Rainfordi Gobies are carefully selected, quarantined, and eating well before shipment. Each fish is backed by our live arrival guarantee, ensuring your vibrant new jewel-toned companion arrives healthy and ready to bring exceptional color and peaceful personality to your reef aquarium.