Knight Goby

Stigmatogobius sadanundio, the Knight Goby or Fan Dancer Goby, is a striking mid-sized brackish goby distributed across Southeast Asia from India to the Indonesian archipelago, inhabiting the lower reaches of rivers, mangrove-fringed estuaries, and tidal creeks. Its most distinctive feature is its pale silver-white to cream body scattered with bold black spots and blotches in an irregular pattern, combined with very tall, fan-shaped dorsal fins that are spread dramatically during male display and courtship. Males are larger than females with more developed fins. In the aquarium it requires moderately hard, slightly alkaline water with a small addition of marine salt, conditions that reflect its brackish natural habitat. It is an active, inquisitive fish that is personable and quickly tames. It is not recommended for soft or acidic setups. Cave spawning has been achieved in captivity and the fry are relatively easy to raise.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20, KH 5–15; low brackish (SG 1.002–1.008) recommended; moderately hard and alkaline. Tank: 100 L minimum; fine sand or gravel substrate; flat stones and caves; plant with brackish-tolerant species. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, small prawns, and meaty sinking pellets; enthusiastic feeder. Breeding: Cave spawner; male guards egg mass vigorously; fry raised on micro-foods; moderate difficulty. Compatibility: Peaceful toward fish too large to eat; mildly territorial with males; avoid very small fish or shrimp.