Rainbow Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon ornatus) Care Guide
A stunningly colorful freshwater goby with males displaying vivid red, blue, and orange markings. A specialized algae grazer that uses its modified mouth to rasp biofilm and microalgae from rocks.
Overview
Stiphodon ornatus is a species in the family Gobiidae. A stunningly colorful freshwater goby with males displaying vivid red, blue, and orange markings. A specialized algae grazer that uses its modified mouth to rasp biofilm and microalgae from rocks. Requires cool, well-oxygenated water with strong flow, mimicking hillstream conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Stiphodon
- Scientific name: Stiphodon ornatus
- Other names: Neon Goby, Ornate Goby
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Philippines, Indonesia
Habitat
Distributed across freshwater streams of the Indo-Pacific, from the Philippines to the Solomon Islands. Inhabits the upper reaches of clear, fast-flowing rocky streams; juveniles undergo a marine larval phase before returning to fresh water (amphidromous life cycle).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 20-26 °C
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 3-10 °dGH
- Water flow: strong
- Adult size: 3-5 cm
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as herbivore. 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: peaceful
- Swimming level: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Hillstream Loach, White Cloud Minnow, Zebra Danio, Otocinclus
- Avoid with: Slow Tropical Fish, Discus, Betta