Family: Gobiidae
Leavelli Goby — a Gobiidae from East Asia, peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Reaches 4.7–6.8 cm; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. 18–26 °C.
Rhinogobius leavelli is a Gobiidae from East Asia. In the wild it prefers shallow streams and estuaries over sand; in the aquarium it stays peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Plan on 4.7–6.8 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. Related profiles: Rhinogobius brunneus, Rhinogobius cliffordpopei, Rhinogobius flumineus.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere.
Aim for 18–26 °C. Stable temperate range; 18–26 °C typical for the genus.
Expect 4.7–6.8 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 55 L tank or larger gives it room.
Small carnivore — live, frozen and fine sinking foods. It forages naturally over fine sand, so let some food reach the bottom.
Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. Good company: Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing. Keep away from Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover.
Its home waters are East Asia — shallow streams and estuaries over sand, with still to gentle current.
Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.
In the aquarium: hidden-clutch spawner with paternal care. Males larger and more colourful.