Bumblebee Goby

The Bumblebee Goby is one of the most recognisable nano fish in the freshwater and brackish aquarium hobby, instantly identifiable by its bold alternating yellow and black banding reminiscent of a bumblebee. The trade name covers several closely related Brachygobius species, with Brachygobius xanthomelas being among the most commonly encountered. Native to brackish estuaries, mangrove creeks, and tidal rivers of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra, these tiny gobies rarely exceed 4 cm. They thrive in moderately hard to hard water with a small addition of marine salt to simulate their brackish natural habitat. Bumblebee Gobies are micro-predators, feeding almost exclusively on live or frozen small invertebrates; they are notoriously reluctant to accept dry foods. Males are territorial toward conspecifics but the small body size limits any serious harm. They do best in a species or near-species setup.

Water: 24–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20, KH 5–15; add marine salt to SG 1.002–1.008; avoid pure soft acidic water. Tank: 40 L minimum; fine sand or gravel substrate; plant with salt-tolerant species (Java fern, Vallisneria); caves and coconut shells. Feeding: Micro-carnivore; live or frozen bloodworm, daphnia, baby brine shrimp; will rarely accept dry foods; live food essential. Breeding: Cave spawner; male guards eggs vigorously; fry require infusoria and micro-worms; moderate difficulty. Compatibility: Species tank or with equally small brackish species; do not mix with fast-feeding or large fish.