Blueface Tile Goby EXPERT (Hoplolatilus starcki)

Also Known As: Starck's Tilefish, Blueface Tilefish, Blue Jaw Tilefish

Compatibility and Behavior
The Blueface Tile Goby (Hoplolatilus starcki) does something most gobies don't: it hovers out in open water. Rather than perching on the bottom, this tilefish-type species floats gracefully through the mid-water column, which shows off soft pastel flanks and that vivid blue facial mask beautifully as it drifts, almost suspended, above the aquascape. It's an elegant, refined fish that brings color and motion to the middle layers where few other species spend their time. Temperament is generally peaceful, and it does best with calm, non-aggressive tankmates like small tangs, fairy and flasher wrasses, and Anthias. It's reef safe, ignoring corals and most inverts to feed on plankton drifting through the water. The thing to understand is that it's a shy, easily spooked fish, so it needs predictable lighting, low aggression, and a tank free of large or boisterous fish that would keep it wedged in the rocks instead of out where you can enjoy it.

Aquarium Requirements
Two things make this an expert-level fish, and both deserve real attention. The first is jumping: tilefish are powerful, committed jumpers that will launch at the slightest scare, so a secure, tight-fitting lid or mesh top isn't a suggestion here, it's the single most important piece of the setup, and the reason we can only guarantee this species for live arrival. The second is stability, since it wants very steady parameters with minimal swings and does poorly with the kind of fluctuation a less-established tank produces. Give it a long, spacious aquarium with ample horizontal swimming room, open mid-water space, and stable rockwork for cover, backed by mature biological filtration and steady, well-oxygenated flow. A quiet aquascape lets it establish a territory and retreat when alarmed. Keep it well fed with regular offerings of mysis, finely chopped seafood, enriched brine, and quality marine pellets to support its active, hovering lifestyle.

Specifications
Approximate Size: 3.5–5"
Diet: Carnivore; small meaty foods such as mysis, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood, and quality marine pellets
Origin: Western and Central Pacific
Care Level: Expert
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 90 gallons with long footprint
Special Considerations: A powerful jumper that must have a secure, tight-fitting lid; needs very stable parameters and a long, spacious, low-aggression tank; shy, so best with gentle tankmates