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Bumblebee Goby

Posted by Max Gandara on on 21st May 2025

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius spp.) – Tiny Stripes, Big Personality

Small, boldly marked, and full of spunk, the Bumblebee Goby is one of the most charming nano fish you can keep. Named for its distinctive black and yellow banding, this fish may be tiny—but it delivers big on personality, especially in a well-maintained brackish or lightly salted freshwater setup.

? Species Overview

  • Scientific Name: Brachygobius spp. (most commonly B. xanthozonus, B. doriae, or B. nunus)

  • Common Name: Bumblebee Goby

  • Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam)

  • Size: 2.5–4 cm (1–1.5 inches)

  • Lifespan: 3–5 years

  • Temperament: Peaceful but mildly territorial

  • Tank Level: Bottom-dweller

  • Diet: Carnivore – prefers live/frozen food

?️ Habitat & Water Conditions

In the wild, Bumblebee Gobies are found in brackish estuaries and tidal creeks, where freshwater meets saltwater. They prefer slow-moving waters with sandy or muddy bottoms and lots of hiding spots.

Ideal Aquarium Conditions:

  • Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum (larger for groups)

  • Water Type: Brackish preferred (SG 1.002–1.006), though some tolerate freshwater short-term

  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

  • pH: 7.0–8.5

  • Hardness: Moderately hard to hard

  • Decor: Driftwood, rocks, caves, and sand substrate for burrowing

? Behavior & Tankmates

Bumblebee Gobies are peaceful but territorial, especially toward their own kind. They may chase or display dominance during feeding, but serious aggression is rare if enough space and hiding spots are provided.

Best Tankmates:

  • Other small brackish species (e.g., Mollies, Knight Gobies)

  • Peaceful bottom dwellers

  • Avoid fin-nippers or large, aggressive fish

  • Best kept in small groups (5–8 individuals) for natural behavior

? Diet & Feeding

These gobies are true carnivores with a strong preference for meaty, protein-rich foods. They can be picky and may reject flakes or dry pellets entirely.

Recommended Foods:

  • Live or frozen brine shrimp

  • Bloodworms

  • Daphnia

  • Microworms or tubifex

  • Cultured white worms

Pro Tip: Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. Uneaten food can quickly foul water in small tanks.

?️ Care Tips

✅ Use marine salt mix to maintain stable brackish water
✅ Provide hiding spots to reduce stress
✅ Keep substrate soft (fine sand is ideal)
✅ Ensure excellent water quality with regular maintenance
✅ Cover the tank—gobies are known jumpers!