BumbleBee Goby Gobies

Bumblebee Goby

The goby family, Gobiidae, is one of the largest families of fishes, containing 2,000+ species. The vast majority of these species are marine (saltwater) fish, although a few species can be found in brackish and even freshwater regions. The bumblebee goby, Brachygobius doriae, is a species that frequently appears nowadays in both brackish and freshwater aquaria.

Most "freshwater" gobies are actually better suited to brackish aquaria. Brackish fish live in areas of varying salinity, typically in rivers and marshes where salt and freshwater meet. Salinity in these regions can vary seasonally, or even hourly. In the aquarium, bumblebee gobies tend to thrive in a "brackish" environment. Bumblebee goby are bottom-feeder fish that tend to spend their time near the substrate, and will often dig. A soft, sandy substrate is recommended, as chunky substrate such as gravel would make digging difficult and pose a risk for injury.

Brackish aquariums are maintained at a specific gravity of 1.010 or less, with a typical value of 1.004. It is highly recommended that a good quality marine salt, or specific brackish-water conditioner is added to an aquarium keeping Bumblebee Gobies to achieve this salinity value. Although there are many examples of bumblebee gobies surviving in pure freshwater conditions, they will not thrive, so brackish-water conditions are highly recommended.

Are Bumblebee Gobies fin nippers?
The Bumblebee Goby is a great addition to a brackish water aquarium. They will need special care so research be needed before purchasing. Bumblebee goby are cute little characters that will nip the fins of long-finned species, so caution is advised. They do not grow very big, so any damage will be minimal, but be aware of this tendency.

How many Bumblebee Gobies should be kept together?
Bumblebee Gobies can be territorial and aggressive towards each other in small numbers, so keeping a moderately large-sized group of 6-8 or more will dilute the behaviour. Smaller groups do not often fare as well, particularly if one individual is singled-out for aggression. It is recommended that Bumblebee goby are kept in groups of 6-8 or more.

Can Bumblebee Gobies live in Freshwater conditions?
Bumblebee goby are predominantly a brackish-water fish species, so will thrive in slightly salty conditions. Although more frequent nowadays, it is not recommended that Bumblebee gobies are kept in pure freshwater. They will survive, but certainly not thrive, and may deteriorate over a short period of time.

Features
Approx. size: 0.5-1cm / 0.5"
Maximum size: 4cm / 1-2"
Origin: Asia
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Family: Oxudercidae
Lighting requirement: Low
Ideal number kept together: 6+

Water conditions
pH: 7.0–8.5
Hardness: 9-19 dKH
Temperature: 22–28 °C
Water flow: low to moderate
Salinity: 1.002 - 1.010 salt

Ease of Care
Moderate. They need brackish water conditions with good overall water quality.

Diet
Frozen & live foods (bloodworm) are recommended however flake can be part of balanced diet.

Compatibility
Community with caution. Bumblebee goby's stay very small, so fish of a similar size can be housed together. They will nip long finned fish and may be preyed upon by larger fish.

Breeding
Moderate. Perfect water quality is needed, with lower salinity than normal. Bumblebee gobies are egg-layers. Females can lay upwards of 200 eggs at one time.