Black Gudgeon — a Eleotridae from 中北美洲, peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Reaches 19.5–28.6 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
19.5–28.6 cm
Minimum tank
500 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind
Origin
中北美洲
Species overview
From the waters of 中北美洲 comes Eleotris melanosoma, a member of the family Eleotridae. A benthic percher that spends its days darting between rock, glass and cave — structure decides its temperament. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 19.5–28.6 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. Water quality and diet matter more than décor.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium 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