Stripetail Barehead Goby (Gymnogobius urotaenia)

Family: Gobiidae

Stripetail Barehead Goby — a Gobiidae from Japan & Korea, peaceful except over a chosen cave. Reaches 10.5–15.4 cm; pairs or small groups with ample hiding spots. 18–26 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 18–26 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 10.5–15.4 cm
Minimum tank: 285 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful except over a chosen cave
Origin: Japan and Korea

Species overview

A Gobiidae species native to Japan and Korea: Gymnogobius urotaenia lives bottom-dwelling over sand. Peaceful except over a chosen cave. Adults reach 10.5–15.4 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Gymnogobius species we profile, alongside Gymnogobius petschiliensis.

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: Pairs or small groups with ample hiding spots
Diet: Predatory bottom-picker; offer varied small fare
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: Lays eggs in a sheltered cavity; males fan and guard

Frequently asked questions

Is Stripetail Barehead Goby easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Peaceful except over a chosen cave; pairs or small groups with ample hiding spots.

What temperature and water chemistry does Stripetail Barehead Goby need?

Aim for 18–26 °C. Stable temperate range; 18–26 °C typical for the family.

How big does Stripetail Barehead Goby get, and what tank size?

Expect 10.5–15.4 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 285 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Stripetail Barehead Goby eat?

Predatory bottom-picker; offer varied small fare. It forages naturally over fine sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can Stripetail Barehead Goby live with other fish?

Peaceful except over a chosen cave. Recommended tankmates: Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing. Avoid Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover.

Where does Stripetail Barehead Goby come from?

Native to Japan and Korea, where it lives in shallow streams and estuaries over sand. Still to gentle current; Moderate.

Does Stripetail Barehead Goby jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Stripetail Barehead Goby breed?

Lays eggs in a sheltered cavity; males fan and guard. Males larger and more colourful.