Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthomelas) Care Guide

A tiny, boldly patterned goby with alternating bright yellow and black bands resembling a bumblebee. While often sold as freshwater, it does best in slightly brackish conditions.

Overview

Brachygobius xanthomelas is a species in the family Gobiidae. A tiny, boldly patterned goby with alternating bright yellow and black bands resembling a bumblebee. While often sold as freshwater, it does best in slightly brackish conditions. A territorial bottom-dweller that perches on rocks and decorations, it requires live or frozen foods and may refuse flakes.

Taxonomy

Family: Gobiidae
Genus: Brachygobius
Scientific name: Brachygobius xanthomelas
Other names: Gold-banded Goby
Origin: Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia

Habitat

Native to coastal estuaries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, where it inhabits brackish mangrove streams and tidal pools. Often kept successfully in soft brackish water (specific gravity 1.005-1.010); breeding accounts in pure fresh water exist but the species is more reliably maintained at slightly brackish salinity.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 22-28 °C
pH: 7-8.5
GH: 8-20 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 2-4 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Other Bumblebee Gobies, Mollies, Endler's Livebearer
Avoid with: Large Fish, Aggressive Fish, Fast Feeders

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-depositor
Breeding difficulty: intermediate