Red-spotted Goby — a Gobiidae from mountain streams of E & S China, peaceful but territorial toward its own kind. Reaches 2.5–3.7 cm; a bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. 18–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
18–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
2.5–3.7 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful but territorial toward its own kind
Origin
mountain streams of E & S China
Species overview
Gobiidae species Rhinogobius rubromaculatus comes from mountain streams of E & S China. A benthic percher that spends its days darting between rock, glass and cave — structure decides its temperament. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 2.5–3.7 cm. A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere. Caves, stable pairs and clean sand keep this fish far calmer than open, bare tanks ever will. Maintain 18–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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
A bonded pair claims one cave; keep others elsewhere
Diet
Small carnivore — live, frozen and fine sinking foods
Recommended tankmates
Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing
Avoid keeping with
Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover