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
Rhinogobius candidianus, a member of the family Gobiidae, is native to mountain streams of E & S China. Every rock overhang is real estate; give each fish a cave and the tank stays peaceful. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 4.7–6.8 cm. Pairs or small groups with ample hiding spots. Provide fine sand or smooth gravel, a cave per fish, and gentle to moderate flow. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
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