Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius spp.)

Origin & Appearance:
Bumblebee Gobies are small, striking fish native to Southeast Asia, particularly in slow-moving rivers, streams, and estuaries across Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam. They are named for their bold yellow and black banding, giving them a bee-like appearance. These gobies typically reach 3–4 cm in length, making them a fascinating nano species for specialist setups.

Care & Requirements:
Although often sold as freshwater fish, Bumblebee Gobies naturally occur in areas with varying salinity. They can be kept in freshwater aquariums, but they usually thrive best and show their brightest colours in slightly brackish water (specific gravity: 1.002–1.006).

• Tank Size: 40 litres minimum for a small group.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28°C

  • pH: 7.0–8.0

  • Hardness: 8–15 dGH

• Best kept in groups of 6+ to reduce aggression, as males can be territorial. Provide caves, plants, and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat.

Feeding:
Bumblebee Gobies are micropredators that prefer live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. They rarely accept dry foods, so a regular supply of live or frozen options is important to keep them healthy and active.

Breeding Tips:
Breeding is possible in captivity and usually takes place in a cave or small crevice. The male guards the eggs until they hatch (7–10 days). Raising fry is more challenging, as they require microscopic foods such as infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp. Success rates are generally higher in slightly brackish water.

Why Choose Bumblebee Gobies?
With their vivid banding and quirky behaviour, Bumblebee Gobies add character and uniqueness to aquariums. While they can adapt to freshwater, providing a slightly brackish environment will usually give the best long-term results in both health and colour.