Largescale Awaous Goby

Awaous grammepomus is a robust, large-headed goby widespread across Indo-Pacific coastal river systems from East Africa through South and Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands. It inhabits the lower to middle reaches of rivers over sandy and gravelly substrates, often in areas of moderate current. The body is mottled cream and brown with subtle iridescent scale highlights and a broad, flat head with upward-facing eyes typical of bottom-hugging benthic fish. Unlike most Stiphodon, Awaous are more omnivorous, grazing algae and organic detritus as well as occasionally taking small invertebrates. In the aquarium it is adaptable and hardy once settled, requiring clean water and adequate space to patrol its territory. It is an amphidromous species and not commonly bred in captivity.

Water: 22–28 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 8–20, KH 4–12; clean water with moderate flow; tolerates low brackish conditions. Tank: 120 L minimum; sandy substrate with smooth rocks; provide open foraging area and some shelter. Feeding: Omnivore/aufwuchs; accepts sinking pellets, algae wafers, blanched vegetables, and occasionally frozen bloodworm. Breeding: Amphidromous; not commonly bred in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful toward non-bottom-dwelling fish; may compete with other benthic grazers.