Elacatinus evelynae (Böhlke & Robins, 1968)

Common Names and Native Range

Elacatinus evelynae, commonly known as the sharknose goby, Caribbean cleaner goby, or Caribbean cleaning goby, is a goby species native to the Western Atlantic Ocean. Its distribution ranges from the Bahamas and the Lesser Antilles to the northern coast of South America, and also includes the Antilles and western Caribbean.

Habitat Depth Range

This species inhabits coral reefs in clear ocean waters, at depths between 1 and 53 metres (3 feet 3 inches to 173 feet 11 inches).

Habitat Temperature Range

It is found in waters with a reported temperature range of 22 to 27 °C (72 to 81 °F).

Microhabitat Associations

These gobies typically live around and on textured surfaces and coral heads that host large polyps, including great star coral (Montastraea), mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides) and lettuce coral (Agaricia agaricites).

Swimming Ability and Substrate Need

The fish need textured surfaces to hold their position when exposed to ocean currents, swells, and tides, as they are not strong enough swimmers to resist these conditions on their own. Holding a steady position is critical for E. evelynae, because it lets the fish the species cleans locate them easily.

Mating System

Elacatinus evelynae is monogamous, and individuals are usually found in pairs near coral heads.

Intrasexual Aggression

Both males and females act aggressively towards same-sex intruders to protect their mates.

Captive Breeding Requirements

Attempts to breed this species in captivity show it will not produce eggs unless conditions are optimal, with very little to no fluctuation in temperature and salinity.