Family: Gobiidae
Rhinogobius maculafasciatus — a Gobiidae from mountain streams of E & S China, peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Reaches 3.8–5.5 cm; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. 18–26 °C.
Rhinogobius maculafasciatus, a member of the family Gobiidae, comes from mountain streams of E & S China, where it inhabits shallow streams and estuaries over sand. Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind and small carnivore — live, frozen and fine sinking foods, it grows to 3.8–5.5 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 18–26 °C range. Other Rhinogobius species in our database include Rhinogobius brunneus, Rhinogobius cliffordpopei, Rhinogobius flumineus.
Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere.
Set the heater to 18–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.
Adults reach 3.8–5.5 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 36 litres.
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.
Comes from mountain streams of E & S China: shallow streams and estuaries over sand. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
Hidden-clutch spawner with paternal care. Males larger and more colourful.