Bearded Goby (Scartelaos histophorus)

Family: Gobiidae

Bearded Goby — a Gobiidae from muddy coasts of SE China, peaceful except over a chosen cave. Reaches 10.5–15.4 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: 10.5–15.4 cm
Minimum tank: 285 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful except over a chosen cave
Origin: muddy coasts of SE China

Species overview

Scartelaos histophorus is a Gobiidae from muddy coasts of SE China. In the wild it prefers shallow streams and estuaries over sand; in the aquarium it stays peaceful except over a chosen cave. Plan on 10.5–15.4 cm of adult fish at 18–26 °C. In a community tank it pairs well with Non-goby bottom fish.

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: Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing
Avoid keeping with: Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover

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 Bearded 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 Bearded Goby need?

Hold 18–26 °C and keep it stable — 18–26 °C typical for the family. Stable temperate range.

How big does Bearded Goby get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 10.5–15.4 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 285 litres.

What does Bearded Goby eat?

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

Can Bearded Goby live with other fish?

Peaceful except over a chosen cave. Recommended tankmates: Non-goby bottom fish — Ignore its territorial posturing. Avoid Large aggressive fish — Shatter its sense of cover.

Where does Bearded Goby come from?

Its home waters are muddy coasts of SE China — shallow streams and estuaries over sand, with still to gentle current.

Does Bearded Goby jump?

Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.

How does Bearded Goby breed?

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