Amur Goby (Rhinogobius brunneus)

Family: Gobiidae

A semi-aggressive carnivore gobiidae from Japan and the Korean Peninsula — moderate care.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 16–20 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 4.1–5.8 cm
Minimum tank: 58 L
Water layer: Bottom; rests and forages low
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Origin: Japan & the Korean Peninsula

Species overview

A Gobiidae species native to Japan & the Korean Peninsula: Rhinogobius brunneus lives bottom; rests and forages low over clear streams, rivers and still waters. Semi-aggressive. Adults reach 4.1–5.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Rhinogobius species we profile, alongside Rhinogobius cliffordpopei, Rhinogobius flumineus, Rhinogobius giurinus.

Native biotope

Habitat: Clear streams, rivers and still waters
Flow: Strong current with heavy aeration
Dissolved O₂: Demands high dissolved oxygen

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate: Smooth gravel and sand with open floor space
Hardscape: Driftwood, water-worn stones and shelters that mimic the native biotope
Plants: Hardy plants on hardscape; keep the floor open

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling: Solitary, pairs or small groups
Diet: Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods
Recommended tankmates: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs
China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs
Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs
Avoid keeping with: Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk
Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism: Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied
Breeding method: Spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes

Frequently asked questions

Is Amur Goby easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Semi-aggressive. Solitary, pairs or small groups.

What temperature and water chemistry does Amur Goby need?

Aim for 16–20 °C. Unheated or lightly heated; guard against summer heat; 16–20 °C recorded range.

How big does Amur Goby get, and what tank size?

Full size is 4.1–5.8 cm. Minimum tank: 58 L, with open swimming space along its bottom; rests and forages low habits.

What does Amur Goby eat?

Carnivore; quality prepared foods with variety; regular frozen or live foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Amur Goby live with other fish?

Semi-aggressive; solitary, pairs or small groups. Good company: Amur False Gudgeon — Similar size and water needs, China-Bitterling — Similar size and water needs, Acanthorhodeus chankaensis — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Large aggressive cichlids — Bullying and injury risk, Known fin nippers — Constant stress and fin damage.

Where does Amur Goby come from?

Native to Japan & the Korean Peninsula, where it lives in clear streams, rivers and still waters. Strong current with heavy aeration; Demands high dissolved oxygen.

How does Amur Goby breed?

In the aquarium: spawning; condition with rich foods and simulate seasonal changes. Males are typically slimmer and more intensely colored; females fuller-bodied.