All fish / Gobiidae

Knight Goby

Stigmatogobius sadanundio

Also known as knight goby, spotted goby, black spotted goby, sadanundio goby, green knight goby, ナイトゴビー, 骑士鰕虎, 萨达鰕虎

A stocky silvery goby covered in bold black spots, with tall dorsal fins that males flare during displays. It is kept for its character, as it perches on rocks and defends a small territory in brackish tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

7.5 to 8.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

One male per tank, or a pair with plenty of caves

Diet

Carnivore: bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis, small shrimp and sinking meaty foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Brackish

Wild range

India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia (estuaries and coastal waters)

Breeding

Pairs spawn in caves, where the male guards eggs stuck to the ceiling until they hatch. Spawning happens fairly readily, but the tiny larvae need brackish to marine water and very small live foods, so rearing them is difficult.

Good to know

Despite being sold as freshwater, it does best in brackish water and may sicken in soft fresh water long term. It will eat very small fish and shrimp, and males fight among themselves.