Can Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 240 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)

Gobioides broussonnetii

🐠Family Group
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Gobies & Gudgeons
Temperament
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
12–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Brackish Required
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 240 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby)
NocturnalDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)

Behaviour & Temperament

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 12–25 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 240 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Soil / Nutrient Rich, Shells (Breeding/Hiding), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich, while Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) requires Sand (Sifters). These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Find the right tank equipment

Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) live together?

Yes. Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) need?

A minimum of 240 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) or Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) aggressive?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) and Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.5–8.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.


Related Comparisons

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Apple Snail

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulApple Snail: Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Assassin Snail

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulAssassin Snail: Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)

·

🔴Not Recommended
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulBee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulBladder Snail (Pest Snail): Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Cherry Shrimp

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulCherry Shrimp: Peaceful

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) & Ghost Shrimp

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS): PeacefulGhost Shrimp: Peaceful

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) & Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)

·

🟢Ideal Tank Mates
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby): PeacefulBumblebee Goby (Brackish): Peaceful

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) & Empire Gudgeon

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby): PeacefulEmpire Gudgeon: Peaceful

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) & Neon Blue Goby

·

🔴Not Recommended
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby): PeacefulNeon Blue Goby: Peaceful

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) & Peacock Gudgeon

·

🔴Not Recommended
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby): PeacefulPeacock Gudgeon: Peaceful

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) & Knight Goby

·

🟡Possible with Caution
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby): PeacefulKnight Goby: Peaceful

Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) & African Butterfly Cichlid

·

🔴Not Recommended
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby): PeacefulAfrican Butterfly Cichlid: Peaceful