White Cap Goby (Lotilia Graciliosa)

Care Level : Moderate

Temperament : Peaceful 

Color : Brown, White 

Diet : Omnivore 

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 1.7 inches 

Origin : Indo-West Pacific Ocean

Family :  Gobiidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

Lotilia Graciliosa or White Cap Goby is aptly named for its white cap that runs from its upper lip to its dorsal fin. Also known as Graceful Prawngoby, Prawn Goby, Shrimp Goby, White-Capped Goby, White-Capped Prawngoby.

A dark brown to blackish shrimpgoby with a white patch from the snout to the dorsal-fin origin, a basal pair of white spots on the pectoral and united pelvic fins, submarginal rows of dark spots on the pectoral and caudal fins, and a large black spot on the rear of the first dorsal fin. Constantly waves its large, spotted, fan-like pectoral fins as it hovers close above the entrance to its burrow. The max size of the goby is approximately 2″, or just short of that. 

Shrimp Gobies live a symbiotic relationship with snapping shrimps. Typically the Whitecap lives in or near it’s burrow created by a pistol shrimp. The Gobies stand guard while the shrimps play "housekeeper" to their burrow, continually digging and cleaning the sand. The Gobies will signal when predators are near.

It requires a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble, ample swimming room, and a sand bottom for burrowing. They need plenty of rocks for places to hide and create their burrows. The Lotilia Graciliosa is very shy and will take some time to get adapted to your aquarium.  

In the aquarium the Lotilia Graciliosa and easily accepts frozen meaty foods while the shrimp are omnivorous and collect large pieces of frozen fish positioned close to the entrance of the burrow. Together they collect the food and transport it immediately into the burrow, where they feed on their prey.