Candi River Goby (Rhinogobius candidianus)

Family: Gobiidae

Candi River Goby — a Gobiidae from mountain streams of E & S China, peaceful except over a chosen cave. Reaches 4.7–6.8 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
4.7–6.8 cm
Minimum tank
55 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful except over a chosen cave
Origin
mountain streams of E & S China

Species overview

A Gobiidae species native to mountain streams of E & S China: Rhinogobius candidianus lives bottom-dwelling over sand. Peaceful except over a chosen cave. Adults reach 4.7–6.8 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Rhinogobius species we profile, alongside Rhinogobius brunneus, Rhinogobius cliffordpopei, Rhinogobius flumineus.

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
  • Shrimps in a species setup — A classic pairing for the dedicated
Avoid keeping with
  • Other gobies of the same species without extra caves — Territorial wars over refuges

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 Candi River 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 Candi River Goby need?

Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Candi River Goby get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 4.7–6.8 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 55 litres.

What does Candi River Goby eat?

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

Can Candi River Goby live with other fish?

Peaceful except over a chosen cave. Recommended tankmates: Shrimps in a species setup — A classic pairing for the dedicated. Avoid Other gobies of the same species without extra caves — Territorial wars over refuges.

Where does Candi River Goby come from?

Comes from mountain streams of E & S China: shallow streams and estuaries over sand. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.

Does Candi River Goby jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Candi River Goby breed?

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