Goby Lifespan Survey

JCDelbeek · 07/06/2007, 12:30 PM

Aloha All,

I am working on a paper on marine goby longevity in aquaria with Dr. Jack Randall. Most scientific papers appear to indicate lifespans from one to five years in the wild. This observation needs to be qualified by pointing out that most scientists appear to equate "lifespan" with "survivability" i.e. thats how long they survive until they are eaten. In an effort to ascertain how long gobies can actually "live" I would like to conduct an international survey of hobbyists via various forums in the US, Europe and Asia. This data will be combined with a similar survey I am conducting involving public aquariums.

If you would be so kind as to submit to me the following information I would be most appreciative. I would like the following information for these genera: Trimma, Eviota, Priolepis, Gobiodon, Amblygobius, Cryptocentrus and Valenciennia:

Country you live, Genus, species, years in captivity, and an
indication if the fish is still alive and on display. Please send your
replies to this sticky thread by the end of July.

If anyone has access to international forums in Europe, Asia or elsewhere, can you please pass along this request?

Many thanks in advance!

J. Charles Delbeek

Skipper · 07/06/2007, 04:22 PM

Stuck to the top...!!!

sunfishh · 07/07/2007, 01:26 AM

I would PM Paul B. He is a goby fan and tends to have fish a long time.

Paul B · 07/08/2007, 04:36 AM

This one is about three years old, At least I have had him that long, the fish was an adult when I got him. He is still alive but I don't know the species or genus.
That probably doesen't do you much good though. Sorry
Paul

Lanceafer · 07/08/2007, 08:36 AM

Country: USA
Name: Nemateleotris decora (fire fish)
Age: 4.5-5 years

I got him from a friend who was breaking down a tank. It was the largest fire fish I had ever seen, about 4.5" long. He sadly vanished one day never to be seen again

.

Paul B · 07/08/2007, 08:42 AM

I have one more picture of that gobi. Sorry I don't have any older gobies.

hgbarwick · 07/09/2007, 07:00 PM

Country: USA
Name: Valencienna puellaris (Orange Diamond Sleeper Goby)
Age: 4 years

I had him for a long while and he appears to have died from natural causes.

sammyfish · 07/11/2007, 10:02 AM

Country: USA
Name: Valenciennea strigata
Age: 2 yrs, 3 months
Status: Deceased

This fish appeared to do very well for about 2 yrs, eating flake and mysis. Then it began to eat less and to show signs of malnurishment, including a sunken belly. It eventually died.

Peter Schmiedel · 07/12/2007, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JCDelbeek
Please send your
replies to this sticky thread by the end of July.

If anyone has access to international forums in Europe, Asia or elsewhere, can you please pass along this request?

Many thanks in advance!

J. Charles Delbeek

Willing to help for the biggest German forum, but they will not post back here. Send my a reply email address to info@reefsafe.de so that I can collect information for you.

ATP · 07/12/2007, 09:45 PM

Country: USA
Name: Amblygobius rainfordi
Age: approx. 1.5 years

Alive in reef tank for 1.5 years; approx. 2" when purchased, approx. 2.5" now. Very active, and healthy.

Myles · 07/13/2007, 04:00 PM

Charles,
I've kept a few gobies over the years and I hope this data helps:
Gobiodon histrio 4yrs 6 months.
Cryptocentrus cinctus 6yrs 9 months
Amblygobius rainfordi 3yrs 6months
Gobiosoma oceanops 3yrs 1 month

I am currently keeping:
Cryptocentrus cinctus 3yrs 1 month
Amblyeotrus guttata 3yrs 1 month
Amblygobius rainfordi 1 yr 7 months
Thanks for all you have done for the hobby,
Myles Goldfein

JCDelbeek · 07/19/2007, 01:12 AM

Thanks for the replies so far ... let's keep them coming in!

Aloha!
J. Charles Delbeek

waterfaller1 · 07/19/2007, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul B
This one is about three years old, At least I have had him that long, the fish was an adult when I got him. He is still alive but I don't know the species or genus.
That probably doesen't do you much good though. Sorry
Paul

Genus: Gobiodon
Species: histrio
Common name:Green clown goby

mikejurney · 08/01/2007, 05:26 PM

I've had a yellow clown goby (Gobiodon okinawae), which I purchased as an adult from an LFS, for about 18 months so far.

JCDelbeek · 08/03/2007, 08:20 PM

Thanks for posting your data so far ... but there has to be MORE people out there who have kept these genera of gobies during their time in the hobby ... I need more data please!!! :-)

Thanks!
Charles

Jeffrey Porter · 08/05/2007, 08:37 AM

Hey, Charles i mentioned this to my boss Patrick ,but i'm not sure if he heard me. If there are any species in Bermuda you want that info on, message me or email Patrick and i'm sure we could find something for you.

JCDelbeek · 08/05/2007, 12:44 PM

Thanks Jeff, but I only need info on the goby genera listed at the beginning of this thread.

To all others responding, please read the first message in this thread as to what genera and what information I require.

Many thanks to all!

Aloha!
Charles

BrianD · 08/08/2007, 04:31 PM

Mr. Delbeek,

Look here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=1

Your thread is also on the main discussion forum (in case you didn't see it there)

senatormoe31 · 08/12/2007, 10:09 PM

Mr. Delbeek,
If you go to my red house there is a list of my Gobies and I have had many of them for years. I have 20 or so in a 100g sps/lps reef. I definately consider myself a "gobie" and datrfish freak.
Have had as many as 3 for sure possibly 4 breeding pairs in the tank at a time.
I don't have alot of "recorded data" but I am employed in the hobby so I have a good recallection and loads of personal experience with constant tanks up and running since 1988.
I would also be honored and more than happy to do specific observations for you and relay info if I can.
If this helps contact me.
MIKE PHX. Az.

JCDelbeek · 08/13/2007, 10:30 AM

Thanks Senator,

Please just post here for me if you will, only the genera I am looking for (see first message in this thread) and give me an estimate as to how long you have had each specimen in captivity.

Aloha!
JCD

senatormoe31 · 08/14/2007, 10:50 AM

Okey Dokey:
Here ya go, Tank is 100g and has been running since Apr. 05.

2 x Gobiodon Okinawae- 28 months (spawning since Acro's introduced about 15 months ago). 1 added 7 months ago and 2 more just 2 months ago. The mating female chases all three of the other Okinawae's around but seems to tolerate 1 more than the other two.
1 x Gobiodon Acicularis about 6 months.
1 x Gobiodon quinquestrigatus
1 x Gobiodon rivulatus/histrio ( not sure) 1 year.
1 x " " (in a 55 reef) 2+ years.
4 x Paragobiodon lacunicolus (2 spawning regularly now) 18 months for the pair and about 7-9 months so far for the other two.
1 x Preolepis nocturnus for 2 years. Had paired him up with a smaller "female" about 10 months ago and they were stuck to each other like glue from the start. Then 2 months after introduction the smaller fish appeared to have and Orange "egg sack" in "her" belly. She ate veraciously for 2 weeks and then just dissappeared. "He" seems to search for her now as he never really patrolled the entire tank as he does now.
I'm using he and she here based on some very general evidence and info.

HOPE this HELPS,
Mike.

anjhof · 09/11/2007, 12:19 PM

Amblygobius phalaena - Banded Sleeper Goby or Dragon Goby.
Purchased from LiveAquaria at about 3" in Feb. 2004. He vanished in my tank in August 2007. I did not notice any signs of stress or poor health. I just noticed one day that I hadn't seen him in a couple of days.
USA
He lived in a 75G and a 210G tank. I wonder if the size of the tank matters in lifespan.

Shoreliner11 · 09/18/2007, 07:55 PM

Country: USA
Species: Cryptocentrus cinctus
Age: almost 5 years exactly
Status: Deceased

Appears to have died from natural causes.

roblack · 09/24/2007, 08:07 AM

Had a clown goby for about 2.5 years, recently just disappeared.

macronut · 10/06/2007, 09:56 PM

I had a pair of green striped banded gobies for 1 year, it's mate now missing at 1.5. Green striped are one of my favorites as they have great personalities and are extremely fun to watch. Other gobies include citron, black, and a pair of masked gobies. I have had the masked gobies for about 1 year and they are great and swim in the water column.

07/06/2007, 12:30 PM	#1
JCDelbeek Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 104	Goby Lifespan Survey Aloha All, I am working on a paper on marine goby longevity in aquaria with Dr. Jack Randall. Most scientific papers appear to indicate lifespans from one to five years in the wild. This observation needs to be qualified by pointing out that most scientists appear to equate "lifespan" with "survivability" i.e. thats how long they survive until they are eaten. In an effort to ascertain how long gobies can actually "live" I would like to conduct an international survey of hobbyists via various forums in the US, Europe and Asia. This data will be combined with a similar survey I am conducting involving public aquariums. If you would be so kind as to submit to me the following information I would be most appreciative. I would like the following information for these genera: Trimma, Eviota, Priolepis, Gobiodon, Amblygobius, Cryptocentrus and Valenciennia: Country you live, Genus, species, years in captivity, and an indication if the fish is still alive and on display. Please send your replies to this sticky thread by the end of July. If anyone has access to international forums in Europe, Asia or elsewhere, can you please pass along this request? Many thanks in advance! J. Charles Delbeek

07/06/2007, 04:22 PM	#2
Skipper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 18,271	Stuck to the top...!!! __________________ Skip Attix Former Editor of Reefkeeping Magazine

07/07/2007, 01:26 AM	#3
sunfishh Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Fullerton, Ca Posts: 1,875	I would PM Paul B. He is a goby fan and tends to have fish a long time. __________________ It's nice to be important, but important to be nice

07/08/2007, 08:36 AM	#5
Lanceafer Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: None Posts: 260	Country: USA Name: Nemateleotris decora (fire fish) Age: 4.5-5 years I got him from a friend who was breaking down a tank. It was the largest fire fish I had ever seen, about 4.5" long. He sadly vanished one day never to be seen again . __________________ There are painters who transform the sun to a yellow spot, but there are others who with the help of their art and their intelligence, transform a yellow spot into the sun. Current Tank Info: None

07/11/2007, 10:02 AM	#8
sammyfish Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: In the back, with the ladies Posts: 77	Country: USA Name: Valenciennea strigata Age: 2 yrs, 3 months Status: Deceased This fish appeared to do very well for about 2 yrs, eating flake and mysis. Then it began to eat less and to show signs of malnurishment, including a sunken belly. It eventually died. __________________ The night time is the right time Don’t sweat the petty stuff, pet the sweaty stuff

07/08/2007, 04:36 AM	#4
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	This one is about three years old, At least I have had him that long, the fish was an adult when I got him. He is still alive but I don't know the species or genus. That probably doesen't do you much good though. Sorry Paul

07/08/2007, 08:42 AM	#6
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	I have one more picture of that gobi. Sorry I don't have any older gobies.

07/09/2007, 07:00 PM	#7
hgbarwick Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Plant City, Florida Posts: 1,390	Country: USA Name: Valencienna puellaris (Orange Diamond Sleeper Goby) Age: 4 years I had him for a long while and he appears to have died from natural causes.

07/12/2007, 09:45 PM	#10
ATP Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Louisville, CO Posts: 166	Country: USA Name: Amblygobius rainfordi Age: approx. 1.5 years Alive in reef tank for 1.5 years; approx. 2" when purchased, approx. 2.5" now. Very active, and healthy. __________________ Pete Current Tank Info: 180g SPS, 150g Mixed

07/13/2007, 04:00 PM	#11
Myles Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 262	Charles, I've kept a few gobies over the years and I hope this data helps: Gobiodon histrio 4yrs 6 months. Cryptocentrus cinctus 6yrs 9 months Amblygobius rainfordi 3yrs 6months Gobiosoma oceanops 3yrs 1 month I am currently keeping: Cryptocentrus cinctus 3yrs 1 month Amblyeotrus guttata 3yrs 1 month Amblygobius rainfordi 1 yr 7 months Thanks for all you have done for the hobby, Myles Goldfein __________________ Myles

07/19/2007, 01:12 AM	#12
JCDelbeek Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 104	Thanks for the replies so far ... let's keep them coming in! Aloha! J. Charles Delbeek

08/01/2007, 05:26 PM	#14
mikejurney Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 22	Gobiodon okinawae I've had a yellow clown goby (Gobiodon okinawae), which I purchased as an adult from an LFS, for about 18 months so far.

08/03/2007, 08:20 PM	#15
JCDelbeek Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 104	Thanks for posting your data so far ... but there has to be MORE people out there who have kept these genera of gobies during their time in the hobby ... I need more data please!!! :-) Thanks! Charles

08/05/2007, 08:37 AM	#16
Jeffrey Porter Cradle Robber Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bermuda Posts: 356	Hey, Charles i mentioned this to my boss Patrick ,but i'm not sure if he heard me. If there are any species in Bermuda you want that info on, message me or email Patrick and i'm sure we could find something for you. __________________ "Ok, you're yummy either way, so it doesn't really matter." - Gawain1974 "Richard, would you be offended if I stuck my finger in your whip cream?" Aliie "Les can't remember crap" - crp "I can't be bothered with details... I'm just the concept advisor" - Barto Current Tank Info: 75 tanganyikan starting up

08/05/2007, 12:44 PM	#17
JCDelbeek Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 104	Thanks Jeff, but I only need info on the goby genera listed at the beginning of this thread. To all others responding, please read the first message in this thread as to what genera and what information I require. Many thanks to all! Aloha! Charles

08/08/2007, 04:31 PM	#18
BrianD Sir Brian The Lenient Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Mattoon, IL Posts: 32,111	Mr. Delbeek, Look here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...5&pagenumber=1 Your thread is also on the main discussion forum (in case you didn't see it there) __________________ Always strive for the optimum environment, not the minimum environment. Current Tank Info: Empty Last edited by BrianD; 08/08/2007 at 04:43 PM.

08/12/2007, 10:09 PM	#19
senatormoe31 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: phoenix az Posts: 293	Mr. Delbeek, If you go to my red house there is a list of my Gobies and I have had many of them for years. I have 20 or so in a 100g sps/lps reef. I definately consider myself a "gobie" and datrfish freak. Have had as many as 3 for sure possibly 4 breeding pairs in the tank at a time. I don't have alot of "recorded data" but I am employed in the hobby so I have a good recallection and loads of personal experience with constant tanks up and running since 1988. I would also be honored and more than happy to do specific observations for you and relay info if I can. If this helps contact me. MIKE PHX. Az.

08/13/2007, 10:30 AM	#20
JCDelbeek Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 104	Thanks Senator, Please just post here for me if you will, only the genera I am looking for (see first message in this thread) and give me an estimate as to how long you have had each specimen in captivity. Aloha! JCD

08/14/2007, 10:50 AM	#21
senatormoe31 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: phoenix az Posts: 293	Okey Dokey: Here ya go, Tank is 100g and has been running since Apr. 05. 2 x Gobiodon Okinawae- 28 months (spawning since Acro's introduced about 15 months ago). 1 added 7 months ago and 2 more just 2 months ago. The mating female chases all three of the other Okinawae's around but seems to tolerate 1 more than the other two. 1 x Gobiodon Acicularis about 6 months. 1 x Gobiodon quinquestrigatus 1 x Gobiodon rivulatus/histrio ( not sure) 1 year. 1 x " " (in a 55 reef) 2+ years. 4 x Paragobiodon lacunicolus (2 spawning regularly now) 18 months for the pair and about 7-9 months so far for the other two. 1 x Preolepis nocturnus for 2 years. Had paired him up with a smaller "female" about 10 months ago and they were stuck to each other like glue from the start. Then 2 months after introduction the smaller fish appeared to have and Orange "egg sack" in "her" belly. She ate veraciously for 2 weeks and then just dissappeared. "He" seems to search for her now as he never really patrolled the entire tank as he does now. I'm using he and she here based on some very general evidence and info. HOPE this HELPS, Mike.

09/11/2007, 12:19 PM	#22
anjhof Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Huntley, IL Posts: 746	Amblygobius phalaena - Banded Sleeper Goby or Dragon Goby. Purchased from LiveAquaria at about 3" in Feb. 2004. He vanished in my tank in August 2007. I did not notice any signs of stress or poor health. I just noticed one day that I hadn't seen him in a couple of days. USA He lived in a 75G and a 210G tank. I wonder if the size of the tank matters in lifespan.

09/18/2007, 07:55 PM	#23
Shoreliner11 Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 199	Country: USA Species: Cryptocentrus cinctus Age: almost 5 years exactly Status: Deceased Appears to have died from natural causes.

09/24/2007, 08:07 AM	#24
roblack Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Miami Beach Posts: 3,094	Had a clown goby for about 2.5 years, recently just disappeared.

10/06/2007, 09:56 PM	#25
macronut Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indianapolis IN Posts: 405	I had a pair of green striped banded gobies for 1 year, it's mate now missing at 1.5. Green striped are one of my favorites as they have great personalities and are extremely fun to watch. Other gobies include citron, black, and a pair of masked gobies. I have had the masked gobies for about 1 year and they are great and swim in the water column.