Schismatogobius Stream Goby

Schismatogobius ampluvinculus is a small, cryptically patterned goby from fast-flowing mountain streams in the Philippines and Indonesia, where it inhabits the rock-face habitat of riffles and cascades. Its common name alludes to its remarkable ability to cling to and rest on submerged vertical rock surfaces using both its pelvic suction disc and modified pectoral fins. The body is pale cream to tan with variable brown marbling that provides excellent camouflage against stone surfaces. Males are minimally more colourful than females with subtle iridescence on the dorsal and pectoral fins. This is a challenging species requiring the same high-flow, oxygen-rich, biofilm-rich conditions as Stiphodon and Sicyopus. It is rarely imported and prized by specialist hillstream goby collectors. An amphidromous species, captive breeding is not currently achievable.

Water: 22–26 °C, pH 7.0–7.8, GH 5–14, KH 3–10; extremely high oxygenation; very sensitive to stagnant conditions. Tank: 60 L minimum; vertically positioned flat slate pieces alongside horizontal pebble substrate; mature biofilm. Feeding: Carnivore; small live and frozen invertebrates, cyclops, daphnia; some biofilm grazing also observed. Breeding: Amphidromous; marine larval phase; not currently bred in captivity. Compatibility: Peaceful with other hillstream species; keep away from boisterous or predatory tankmates.