Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Tanganicodus irsacae
A fascinating, bottom-dwelling cichlid from the shallow surge zones of Lake Tanganyika. They possess a reduced swim bladder, causing them to 'hop' or rest on the rocky substrate similar to marine gobies. They feature specialized pointed mouths for picking insect larvae and crustaceans out of rock crevices. While peaceful towards upper-water tank mates, they are violently intolerant of other goby cichlids.
Spotfin Goby Cichlid At a Glance
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Spotfin Goby Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Spotfin Goby Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Spotfin Goby Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Water Parameters
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
Standard representation of the species. It is nearly impossible to sex juveniles. They are best kept completely solitary or as a confirmed, bonded mated pair. Keeping more than two will inevitably result in fatalities as they establish dominance.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Kibishi, Moba
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Spotfin Goby Cichlid, scientifically known as Tanganicodus irsacae, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 7 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Spotfin Goby Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Spotfin Goby Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Spotfin Goby Cichlid is typically available in one standard form.
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Spotfin Goby Cichlid, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Spotfin Goby Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Spotfin Goby Cichlid Is Actually For
Spotfin Goby Cichlid is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Spotfin Goby Cichlid like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Spotfin Goby Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Spotfin Goby Cichlid.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Spotfin Goby Cichlid
How big does Spotfin Goby Cichlid get?
Spotfin Goby Cichlid (Tanganicodus irsacae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 7 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Spotfin Goby Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Spotfin Goby Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Spotfin Goby Cichlid need?
Spotfin Goby Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–27°C, a pH between 8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Spotfin Goby Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Spotfin Goby Cichlid is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Spotfin Goby Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Spotfin Goby Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Spotfin Goby Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Spotfin Goby Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Spotfin Goby Cichlid
These plants pair well with Spotfin Goby Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Spotfin Goby Cichlid
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus)
Eretmodus cyanostictus
An intriguing, goby-like cichlid native to the shallow, highly oxygenated surge zones of Lake Tanganyika. They have a reduced swim bladder, causing them to 'hop' along the rocky bottom rather than swim freely. They require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and a strict herbivorous diet (aufwuchs/algae) to avoid fatal intestinal bloat. They are highly intolerant of conspecifics unless kept as a bonded pair.
Yellow Sand Cichlid
Xenotilapia bathyphilus
An elegant, bottom-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They are highly specialized 'sand-sifters' that take mouthfuls of sand to filter out small invertebrates. They are relatively peaceful for African cichlids but can be territorial during breeding. They are highly skittish and do best in small shoals. A fine sand substrate is absolutely mandatory for their survival and natural behavior.
Featherfin Cichlid
Cyathopharynx furcifer
A spectacular Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males display brilliant metallic hues (blues, greens, or coppers depending on collection point) and possess sweeping, elongated pelvic 'feather' fins. Males build enormous crater-like sand bowers to attract females. Because of this bower-building behavior and their high activity level, footprint (length and width) is far more critical than tank height.
Neon Blue Cichlid
Paracyprichromis nigripinnis
A remarkably peaceful, schooling African cichlid native to the deep, rocky habitats of Lake Tanganyika. They are famous for their unique behavior of swimming closely aligned to vertical rock faces or even hanging upside down in cave overhangs. They are maternal mouthbrooders that absolutely require groups, hard/alkaline water, and plenty of vertical rockwork.
Red Fin Caudopunk
Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
A small, spirited cichlid native to the transitional rocky-sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika. Recognizable by its pearly body, iridescent blue eyes, and striking orange/red dorsal fin margin. They are versatile breeders, utilizing both rock crevices and empty snail shells. While relatively peaceful for Tanganyikan cichlids, they fiercely defend their territory when spawning.
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Altolamprologus compressiceps
A highly specialized, predatory African Cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It features an extremely laterally compressed (paper-thin) body and steep forehead, designed to slip into narrow rocky crevices to hunt fry and invertebrates. They are notorious for their very slow growth rate and heavily 'armored' scales.