Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Violet Goby
Gobioides broussonnetii
Also called Dragon goby, Dragon fish, Peruvian goby, Amblyopus broussonetii (older name)
From Western Atlantic coast of the Americas, from South Carolina through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean to southern Brazil, in muddy bays, estuaries and river mouths123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Long, eel-like goby
A long, slender goby that looks more like an eel, with a continuous fin along the back and very small eyes. In good condition it shimmers with an iridescent silver-blue to violet sheen and a pattern of golden blotches. Its rows of teeth look fierce but are mainly used to scrape algae.23
Personality what they are like
Despite its fearsome appearance it is a calm, mostly nocturnal scavenger. It is shy, often hides or burrows by day and is territorial only towards its own kind.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Most active at night, when it sifts through the substrate for food. During the day it likes to rest in burrows, tubes or under wood.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Needs brackish water. Seriously Fish gives 22 to 26 C, pH 7.5 to 9.0, 10 to 25 dGH and a salinity of SG 1.005 to 1.015; Wikipedia suggests about 24 to 26 C (76 to 78 F) and at least one sixth seawater strength. Because it sees poorly, make sure food reaches it.32
Home where they are happiest
A big fish that needs a big tank: Seriously Fish recommends at least 432 litres with a 120 x 60 cm base, and Wikipedia at least four feet long. Provide several inches of soft sand or silt for burrowing, plus bogwood, smooth rocks and tubes for shelter.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
In the wild it grazes on filamentous algae and detritus. In captivity offer algae wafers, spirulina and other vegetable foods along with frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and similar foods; plant matter should always be part of the diet.32
Company who they like around
Not suited to a busy community tank. It can live with other peaceful brackish fish but is best kept as a single specimen unless the tank is very large.32
The story where it all began
Lacepède described the species in 1800 under the name Amblyopus broussonetii. It is the largest goby in the Caribbean region and has become a popular oddity in the aquarium trade, where it is usually sold as the dragon goby.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is the largest goby in the Caribbean and the only one there with such an eel-like body.1
- 2
Its eyes are so small that it is almost blind and finds food mainly by other senses.2
- 3
Its menacing-looking teeth are used to scrape algae off rocks, not to fight.2
- 4
Shop specimens are usually only 8 to 13 cm long, but wild adults can reach around 60 cm.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2019)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Violet Goby. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkBrackish fish need a little marine salt, and some need more as they growevery week
- Water changeAbout 25% of the water, mixed to the same salinityevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Violet Goby?
Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily feeding. Since it is a nocturnal scavenger, offering food in the evening can match its natural rhythm.23 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Violet Goby eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Violet Goby enjoys algae wafers, spirulina, and frozen bloodworm or brine shrimp, with plant matter always part of its diet. There is no specific list of foods to avoid in the provided information, so ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on what to never feed.23
How much space does a Violet Goby need?
This big fish needs a large tank: at least 432 litres with a base of 120 x 60 cm, or a tank at least four feet long. Provide several inches of soft sand or silt for burrowing, plus bogwood and tubes for shelter.23
What temperature, light or water does a Violet Goby need?
It needs brackish water with a temperature of 22, 26°C, pH 7.5, 9.0, and salinity of SG 1.005, 1.015. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly salinity checks and water changes. Keep lighting subdued since it is shy and nocturnal.23 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Violet Goby's home?
Perform a 25% water change weekly, mixing new water to the same salinity. Rinse the filter in old tank water monthly, never tap water. Test water parameters weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Violet Goby live with others?
It is best kept alone unless the tank is very large. It can share a peaceful brackish community with other calm fish, but avoid busy tanks as it is shy and territorial toward its own kind.23
How long does a Violet Goby live?
The provided information does not specify a lifespan. This varies by care and environment, so ask your vet or a good breeder for an estimate.
Can I handle a Violet Goby?
Handling is not recommended as it is a shy, delicate fish with poor eyesight. It prefers to hide and burrow, so observe it without touching. For specific handling advice, consult an exotic-pet vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Gobioides broussonnetii, Violet goby fishbase.seused for size, environment, temperature range, distribution, IUCN status, describer, fun fact
- Wikipedia: Gobioides broussonnetii en.wikipedia.orgused for appearance, behaviour, diet, aquarium needs, history, fun facts
- Seriously Fish: Gobioides broussonnetii seriouslyfish.comused for other names, water parameters, tank size, diet, compatibility
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.