Freshwater Neon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus)

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Freshwater Neon Goby

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Freshwater Neon Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

57 Litres (15 US G.)

3.8-5.1cm (1.5-2 ")

sg

1 - 1.015

pH

7.4 - 8.4

23.3-28.9°C (74 -84 °F)

6-10 °d

1:2 M:F

Omnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Gobiidae



Additional names

Freshwater Neon Goby, Sumatran Neon Goby

Additional scientific names

Microsicydium atropurpureum, Microsicydium formosum, Stiphodon formosum


Sexing

Males are much more colourful.

Breeding

Breeds in freshwater, though eggs and fry need brackish water to survive. The adults spawn in freshwater, the eggs are swept out to sea, hatch, feed on plankton, settle and then move back upriver.


Tank compatibility

Like other gobies, the Freshwater Neon Goby can become territorial and will try to defend its home territory. This fish does not get very large and should not be kept with large fish.


Diet

These Gobies are aufwuchs and algae grazers, they need to be in a mature tank with a lot of algae growth. They will, however, only eat certain types of algae, mostly short tufty types of algae, not stringy or filamentous algae. They should also accept algae wafers and dried marine seaweed. They may also accept some soft blanched veges like peas. They should not be fed meaty foods as their digestive system is not designed for high protein.


Feeding regime

Supplement once or twice a day depending on algae growth present.


Environment specifics

The Freshwater Neon Goby is actually native to brackish water environments like bays, estuaries and mangrove swamps. Enjoys flowing water.


Behaviour

Tends to be skittish. Often it will bury itself in the substrate, with only its head protruding.


Identification

It is a small, elongated fish with a darker horizontal stripe down its body, parallel to a stripe of blue iridescent colouration, most obvious across the snout.

Pictures

External links