Shokihaze goby (Tridentiger barbatus)

Family: Gobiidae

Shokihaze goby — a Gobiidae from Japan & NW Pacific coasts, calm bottom resident with clear territory boundaries. Reaches 8.2–12.1 cm; singly or in pairs; every fish needs its own refuge. 8–22 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature: 8–22 °C
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult length: 8.2–12.1 cm
Minimum tank: 176 L
Water layer: Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Calm bottom resident with clear territory boundaries
Origin: Japan

Species overview

A Gobiidae species native to Japan: Tridentiger barbatus lives bottom-dwelling over sand. Calm bottom resident with clear territory boundaries. Adults reach 8.2–12.1 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Tridentiger species we profile, alongside Tridentiger bifasciatus, Tridentiger trigonocephalus.

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: Singly or in pairs; every fish needs its own refuge
Diet: Meaty foods; train onto frozen then pellets
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: Cave or crevice spawner; the male guards the eggs

Frequently asked questions

Is Shokihaze goby easy to keep?

Intermediate difficulty. Calm bottom resident with clear territory boundaries; singly or in pairs; every fish needs its own refuge.

What temperature and water chemistry does Shokihaze goby need?

Set the heater to 8–22 °C and avoid swings. pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH suit it.

How big does Shokihaze goby get, and what tank size?

Expect 8.2–12.1 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 176 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Shokihaze goby eat?

Meaty foods; train onto frozen then pellets. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Shokihaze goby live with other fish?

Calm bottom resident with clear territory boundaries. Recommended tankmates: Shrimps in a species setup — A classic pairing for the dedicated. Avoid Other gobies of the same species without extra caves — Territorial wars over refuges.

Where does Shokihaze goby come from?

Native to Japan, where it lives in shallow streams and estuaries over sand. Still to gentle current; Moderate.

Does Shokihaze goby jump?

Jumping is not a known issue; cover the tank anyway during water changes.

How does Shokihaze goby breed?

Cave or crevice spawner; the male guards the eggs. Males larger and more colourful.