Red Papua Goby fish

Quick Care Statistics & Water Parameters

ParameterSpecification
Scientific NameLentipes cf. multiradiatus
Common NamesPapuan Red Goby, Red Papua Hillstream Goby
OriginWest Papua, Indonesia (Wild Caught)
Adult Size1.5 – 2 inches (3.8 – 5 cm)
Minimum Tank Size15 Gallons (approx. 60 Liters)
Water Temperature74°F – 79°F (23°C – 26°C)
pH Range6.5 – 7.5
Water Hardness5 – 12 dGH
DietCarnivore / Micropredator (Frozen & Live Foods)

Comprehensive Care & Tank Setup Guide
1. Feeding & Carnivorous Diet Requirements
The single most important factor in successfully keeping the Papuan Red Goby is understanding its dietary needs. Unlike Sicyopterus or Stiphodon species, Lentipes gobies originate from shaded, forested upstream habitats where biofilm and algae are scarce. Consequently, they will not survive on algae wafers or standard dry flakes.
To maintain their vibrant red coloration and high energy levels, feed a protein-rich diet consisting of:
Frozen Foods: Bloodworms, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp (Artemia), and daphnia.
Live Foods: White worms, blackworms, or chopped target foods.
Target Feeding Tip: Because they compete with faster surface swimmers, it is highly recommended to use long aquascaping tweezers or a feeding pipette to deliver frozen food directly to the lower third of the aquarium where they reside.
2. Aquarium Setup & Flow Dynamics
Replicating their natural, highly oxygenated torrential river ecosystem is critical for long-term health.
Water Movement: A high-turnover filtration system utilizing a powerhead, wavemaker, or heavy surface agitation is highly beneficial. High dissolved oxygen levels keep this species active and stress-free.
Hardscape & Layout: Design the aquarium with a mixture of fine river sand and smooth, water-worn river stones or dragon stone. Avoid sharp edges.
Substrate Behavior: Do not be alarmed if your Red Papua Goby vanishes at night; they possess a natural instinct to burrow horizontally completely under fine sand, leaving only their eyes exposed to watch for predators.
3. Compatibility & Tankmates
The Papuan Red Goby is incredibly peaceful toward other fish but can be mildly territorial with its own kind over prime perches or caves.
Ideal Companions: Perfect for community nano tanks alongside peaceful schooling species like celestial pearl danios, micro rasboras, neon tetras, or other hillstream specialists like Gastromyzon or Stiphodon species.
Shrimp Warning: Because they are natural micropredators, adult Lentipes may actively hunt tiny dwarf shrimp fry (such as Neocaridina). They are completely safe, however, with larger shrimp species like Amano or Bamboo shrimp.
Pro-Supporter Note: Lentipes gobies possess fused pelvic fins acting as specialized suction cups. They are notorious escape artists capable of climbing completely out of an open tank against a filter return stream. A tight-fitting lid or a custom mesh cover is highly mandatory.