Yellowfin goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus)

Family: Gobiidae

Yellowfin goby — a Gobiidae from coasts of China, Korea & Japan, peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Reaches 22.5–33 cm; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
22.5–33 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind
Origin
coasts of China, Korea & Japan

Species overview

Gobiidae species Acanthogobius flavimanus comes from coasts of China, Korea & Japan. A benthic percher that spends its days darting between rock, glass and cave — structure decides its temperament. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 22.5–33 cm. A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. Caves, stable pairs and clean sand keep this fish far calmer than open, bare tanks ever will. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A solid choice for a well-planned community tank.

Native biotope

Habitat
Shallow streams and estuaries over sand
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Flat stones and shells
Plants
Sparse hardy plants

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere
Diet
Small carnivore — live, frozen and fine sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing
Avoid keeping with
  • Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Males larger and more colourful
Breeding method
Hidden-clutch spawner with paternal care