Engineer Goby

Not actually a goby but a "convict blenny" (family Pholidichthyidae), this eel-like burrower is one of the reef's great engineers, excavating an elaborate tunnel network under the rockwork — which is exactly the caution: an active adult can undermine and topple an aquascape that is not glued or set on the glass. Juveniles are black-and-white striped to mimic the venomous coral catfish and live in social groups, gradually turning to a spotted adult of up to 30 cm. It is peaceful and coral-safe, but a large adult will eat very small fish and inverts. Hardy and easy, but plan the rockwork and fit a tight lid.