Bumblebee Goby: A Tiny Striped Charmer with Big Personality

The Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius spp.) is a small but captivating addition to any aquarium, known for its bold black and yellow stripes, endearing bottom-dwelling behavior, and curious nature. Don’t let their tiny size fool you—these little gobies pack a ton of personality and charm into just a couple of inches!

Eye-Catching and Unique

Named after the iconic insect due to their alternating bands of black and yellow, Bumblebee Gobies are visually striking in any setup. Their contrasting colors make them stand out, especially against darker substrates or in heavily planted aquariums. Their compact, rounded bodies and fin-fluttering movement only add to their cuteness.

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Brachygobius spp. (commonly B. doriae, B. xanthozonus, etc.)

• Common Name: Bumblebee Goby

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

• Adult Size: 1.5 inches

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, mildly territorial with their own kind

• Swimming Zone: Bottom-dweller

Brackish or Freshwater?

Bumblebee Gobies are naturally found in brackish estuaries and tidal rivers, and do best in low-end brackish conditions in captivity. However, some aquarists have successfully kept them in freshwater, particularly if wild-caught or young. For long-term health, slight salinity is ideal.

Brackish Water Parameters:

• Salinity: 1.002–1.006 SG (specific gravity)

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.0–8.5

• Hardness: Moderately hard

Tank Setup Tips

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a small group

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Decor: Plenty of caves, rocks, and plants for hiding spots

• Filtration: Gentle flow; gobies dislike strong currents

• Lighting: Moderate to low; floating plants can help diffuse light

These gobies thrive in well-structured aquariums with multiple territories and minimal stress. A peaceful environment helps them show off their natural behaviors and vivid colors.

Diet and Feeding

Bumblebee Gobies can be picky eaters. They often ignore flake foods and prefer meaty, live or frozen options.

Preferred Foods:

• Live or frozen brine shrimp

• Daphnia

• Bloodworms

• Microworms or tubifex

• Frozen mysis shrimp

Feed them small portions once or twice a day, and remove uneaten food to prevent fouling.

Social Behavior

While generally peaceful, they can show mild territorial behavior toward their own species, especially males. Keeping them in small groups (6 or more) helps spread out aggression and encourages natural interaction.

They don’t nip fins and can live with other small, peaceful brackish-compatible species—though their small mouths and shy feeding habits mean they’re best kept with non-competitive eaters.

Breeding Notes

Breeding Bumblebee Gobies in captivity is possible but requires careful conditions:

• Males guard eggs laid in caves or tight spaces

• Slightly warmer water and high-quality food can trigger spawning

• Fry require infusoria or baby brine shrimp in early stages

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Why Choose the Bumblebee Goby?

✅ Striking black and yellow coloration
✅ Fun, bottom-dwelling behavior
✅ Ideal for nano or species-only tanks
✅ Brackish biotope showpiece

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Bumblebee Gobies are a perfect pick for aquarists looking for something small, unique, and interactive. While they may require more specific care than the average community fish, their vibrant look and quirky antics make them a rewarding addition to any specialized aquarium setup.

Thinking of building a brackish nano tank? These little striped gems might just steal the show.