Often misunderstood due to its terrifying 'Dragon' appearance and sharp teeth, the Violet Goby is actually a gentle, nearly blind scavenger and filter feeder. It uses its teeth to scrape algae, not to bite fish. It requires brackish water to thrive long-term and fine sand to sift through for food. It is not a predator.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
Water Parameters
Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Adult (Standard)
The full-grown adult form. Requires specific brackish conditions (SG 1.005-1.010) and a large footprint. Despite its size, it is peaceful towards even small fish (Guppies/Mollies), though it may accidentally suck up tiny fry while sifting.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Juvenile (Grow-out)
The size typically sold in stores (10-15cm). Often kept in freshwater at the store, but must be transitioned to brackish water for long-term health. Grows steadily.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Dragon Goby
Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) Care Summary
The Violet Goby (Dragon Goby), scientifically known as Gobioides broussonnetii, belongs to the Gobies & Gudgeons family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 50 cm and have a eel body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Violet Goby (Dragon Goby) requires a brackish required aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 12–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. To replicate their natural habitat, the tank should include sand (sifters), shells (breeding/hiding), and driftwood (digestion/hiding).
A minimum group size of 1 is recommended. Keepers should be aware that this species is primarily active at night or during twilight hours. This species is available in 2 varieties: Adult (Standard) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Similar Species
Peacock Gudgeon
Tateurndina ocellicauda
A stunning, peaceful freshwater sleeper goby from Papua New Guinea. Known for their vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors, they are excellent nano-tank inhabitants. They are not true gobies (they lack fused pelvic fins) and are exclusively freshwater. They prefer slow-moving water, dense vegetation, and small caves (like PVC pipes or smooth stones) for spawning.
Bumblebee Goby (Brackish)
Brachygobius xanthozonus
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).
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.
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.
Siamese Algae Eater
Crossocheilus oblongus
Famous for being one of the few freshwater fish that actively consumes Black Beard Algae (BBA). A torpedo-shaped, active bottom-to-midwater swimmer native to Southeast Asian streams. True Siamese Algae Eaters feature a distinct black horizontal stripe that extends all the way through the tail fin. As they mature, they can become lazy, preferring prepared foods over algae, and may occasionally chase other bottom dwellers.
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.