Maintenance of two-spotted goby, Gobiusculus flavescens (Fabricius, 1779) (Perciformes, Gobiidae), in captivity as a resource for ornamental fishkeeping

The survival and growth of semipelagic two-spotted goby (Gobiusculus flavescens) were investigated in the laboratory to appreciate the ability of this species to be kept in captivity as a resource for ornamental fishkeeping. The survival of individuals was tested under three temperatures (23°C, 25°C and 27°C) during 12 days. The growth of individuals was tested using two diets: Diet 1-“SERA ®vipan” + “SERA® discus granulat” and Diet 2-“Mysis and Artemia brine shrimp” (Ocean Nutrition®), at 21°C, during 5 weeks. The low death rate at 23°C (10%) can indicate some potential for this species to be used in ornamental aquariophilia. The diet consisting of Mysis sp. and Artemia sp. brine shrimp (Diet 2) appears to be well accepted be the fishes and promotes a good growth. The two-spotted goby proved to be a species very easy to handle and to maintain at the appropriate temperatures.