Flame Goby

ParameterIdeal Range
Scientific NameRhinogobius zhoui / Sicyopterus spp.
Adult Size1.5 to 2.5 inches (4 to 6 cm)
Minimum Tank Size15 Gallons (approx. 60 Liters)
Water Temperature68°F to 75°F (20°C to 24°C)
pH Range6.5 to 7.5
Water Hardness5 to 12 dGH
DietCarnivorous

Comprehensive Care & Tank Setup Guide
1. Tank Setup and Habitat Requirements
To thrive, Flame Gobies require an environment that mimics their natural hillstream habitats.
Substrate: Use smooth sand or fine gravel. Avoid sharp substrates, as these fish spend their lives resting directly on the bottom and can damage their bellies.
Decor: Provide plenty of smooth river stones, rocks, and driftwood. These surfaces allow them to establish small territories and graze naturally.
Water Flow & Oxygenation: This is critical. Flame Gobies require high water turnover and excellent oxygenation. The use of an oversized filter, powerhead, or air stones to create a noticeable directional current is highly recommended.
2. Diet and Feeding
Flame Gobies are primarily micro-predators but will also graze on natural biofilm forming on rocks.
Preferred Foods: Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms.
Dry Foods: They can be finicky with processed foods. They may eventually accept high-quality, sinking carnivorous pellets or wafers, but frozen or live foods should remain their staple diet.
3. Temperament and Tank Mates
While generally peaceful toward other species, male Flame Gobies can be highly territorial with one another.
Intraspecific Behavior: If keeping multiple males, ensure the aquarium is large enough (20+ gallons) with visual barriers (rocks/plants) so they can establish distinct territories.
Ideal Tank Mates: Peaceful, fast-moving species that enjoy cooler water and high flow. Good choices include Hillstream Loaches, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, Danios, and peaceful freshwater shrimp (though very small shrimplets may be eaten).
Species to Avoid: Large, aggressive, or slow-moving fish that cannot handle high water flow, as well as oversized bottom-dwellers that might compete aggressively for territory.