Can Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Neon Blue Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Regan's Julie

Julidochromis regani

🐠Family Group
Neon Blue Goby
Gobies & Gudgeons
Regan's Julie
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Neon Blue Goby
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Regan's Julie
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
22–28°C
Regan's Julie
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Neon Blue Goby
6.5–7.5
Regan's Julie
8–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
4–12
Regan's Julie
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
Freshwater Only
Regan's Julie
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Neon Blue Goby
High
Regan's Julie
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Neon Blue Goby
57 L
Regan's Julie
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Neon Blue Goby
Bottom
Regan's Julie
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Neon Blue Goby
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikes
Regan's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesFry PredatorDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Neon Blue Goby
Regan's Julie
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Neon Blue Goby is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Regan's Julie is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Regan's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Neon Blue Goby.

Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Two territorial species may clash over territory, especially in smaller tanks.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Neon Blue Goby (6.5–7.5) and Regan's Julie (8–9) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

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: Established Algae (Otocinclus), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Neon Blue Goby or Regan's Julie aggressive?

Neon Blue Goby is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Regan's Julie is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Neon Blue Goby and Regan's Julie need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Neon Blue Goby prefers 6.5–7.5, while Regan's Julie needs 8–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Neon Blue Goby's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Neon Blue Goby space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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