A miniature, bottom-dwelling goby famous for its striking black and yellow stripes. While they are often sold as freshwater fish and can survive in it temporarily, they are highly susceptible to fungal infections in fresh water and truly require a brackish setup (SG 1.002-1.005) to thrive long-term. They are notoriously picky eaters, often ignoring flakes in favor of live or frozen foods (like bloodworms or brine shrimp).
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. Best kept in species-only brackish setups or with very peaceful, similarly-sized brackish tank mates. Males will establish tiny territories in empty snail shells or crevices and fiercely defend them from other males.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) Care Summary
The Bumblebee Goby (Brackish), scientifically known as Brachygobius xanthozonus, belongs to the Gobies & Gudgeons family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 cm and have a depressed body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) requires a brackish required aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A low water flow is preferred. To replicate their natural habitat, the tank should include sand (sifters), shells (breeding/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels).
This species should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour. Keepers should be aware that this species is not safe with ornamental shrimp, can be aggressive toward its own kind, and will defend a territory within the tank. The Bumblebee Goby (Brackish) is typically available in one standard form.
Similar Species
Figure 8 Puffer (Brackish)
Dichotomyctere ocellatus
A small, highly intelligent, and interactive pufferfish known for the distinctive figure-eight pattern on its back. While often sold as freshwater fish, they strictly require a low-end brackish environment (Specific Gravity 1.005-1.008) for long-term health and a full lifespan. They are aggressive fin-nippers and strict carnivores that require hard-shelled foods (like snails) to keep their continuously growing teeth trimmed.
Neon Blue Goby
Stiphodon atropurpureus
A stunning, specialized freshwater goby native to fast-flowing hill streams in Asia. Males display brilliant neon blue metallic coloration, while females are striped. They are specialized biofilm grazers ('Aufwuchs' eaters) and require mature tanks with established algae/biofilm stones. They are obligate stream dwellers requiring high oxygen and strong flow.
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
One of the smallest known aquarium fish, resembling a tiny jewel. Males display brilliant vertical red and iridescent blue stripes. While beautiful, they are known for being extremely picky eaters, often refusing dry foods and requiring live or frozen micro-foods (Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp). Males act like tiny Cichlids and will stake out territories.
Amazon Puffer
Colomesus asellus
One of the few truly freshwater, community-safe pufferfish. Native to the Amazon basin, these energetic swimmers are known for their bumblebee-like stripes and erratic swimming patterns. Unlike most puffers, they are social and prefer to be kept in groups. CRITICAL WARNING: This species has the fastest-growing teeth of any puffer. They REQUIRE a daily diet of hard-shelled foods (snails, clams, crustaceans) or they will require manual dentistry (trimming) to prevent starvation.
Knight Goby
Stigmatogobius sadanundio
A distinct, high-bodied goby found in estuaries across South Asia. Unlike most bottom-dwelling gobies, the Knight Goby frequently hovers in the water column. While often sold as freshwater fish, they thrive best in slightly brackish water (SG 1.003-1.005) or very hard, alkaline freshwater. They are territorial and notorious fin-nippers, making them poor tankmates for Guppies or Bettas.
Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)
Caridina cantonensis
A sensitive, highly prized dwarf shrimp species known for its vivid red/white or black/white banding. Unlike the hardy Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina), Bee Shrimp require cool, soft, acidic water and typically require active buffering soil to thrive. They are peaceful grazers perfect for specific biotope setups.