All fish / Gobiidae (Oxudercidae in some recent classifications)

Bumblebee Goby

Brachygobius doriae

Also known as bumblebee goby, bumble bee goby, doria's bumblebee goby, bee goby, borneo bumblebee goby, golden banded goby, バンブルビーゴビー, ikan lebah, 小蜜蜂虾虎, 蜜蜂虾虎

A tiny, chunky goby banded in bright yellow and black, which gives it a striking bumblebee look. It is kept for its character, perching on rocks and squabbling over small territories, and suits small species tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

2.5 cm

Temperature

24 to 29 °C

pH

7 to 8.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more in a tank with plenty of caves

Diet

Carnivore: live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops; often refuses dry food

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Brackish

Wild range

Borneo (Sarawak, Kalimantan) and nearby Malay Peninsula; coastal estuaries and lowland rivers

Breeding

Pairs spawn inside caves or shells, and the male guards the eggs until they hatch in about a week. The fry are very small and need infusoria and then baby brine shrimp, so raising them takes some effort.

Good to know

Although sold as freshwater fish, they do best in slightly brackish water and are often weak in soft, acidic water. Several similar Brachygobius species are traded under the same name, and they may nip at very small tankmates.