Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius doriae)

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius doriae)

Bumblebee Gobies are small, strikingly beautiful fish, known for their bold black and yellow stripes, resembling a bumblebee. They are native to Southeast Asia and thrive in aquariums with the right conditions.

1. Tank Size

• A minimum of 10 gallons (38 liters) is recommended for a small group of Bumblebee Gobies.

• These fish are bottom dwellers, so the tank should have plenty of hiding spots and plants.

2. Water Conditions

• Temperature: Keep the water between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).

• pH: Maintain a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5.

• Hardness: They prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a range of 5-15 dGH.

• Water Quality: Bumblebee Gobies are sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes (about 25% per week) are important.

3. Diet

• Bumblebee Gobies are omnivores and should be fed a balanced diet:

  • Pellets or flakes made for small fish.

  • Frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.

  • Algae-based foods to satisfy their plant matter needs.

• Feed them small portions two to three times a day.

4. Tank Setup

• Use a fine, smooth substrate (sand or small gravel) for them to sift through.

• Include plants, rocks, and driftwood to create hiding places and territories.

• Moderate lighting is sufficient for them, mimicking their natural dimly-lit environments.

5. Tankmates

• These fish are peaceful but can be territorial, especially with their own kind.

• Keep them in small groups of 3 or more to reduce stress and aggression.

• Compatible tankmates include other peaceful, small fish such as tetras, rasboras, and shrimp.

• Avoid aggressive or large species that could bully them.

6. Breeding

• Breeding in captivity is challenging, as they are cave spawners. Providing plenty of hiding spots and caves may encourage breeding.

• Males can become territorial, especially during the breeding season.

7. Health

• These fish are sensitive to changes in water quality. Keep the water parameters stable and perform regular water changes.

• Watch out for common fish diseases like Ich or fin rot, especially if the water is too dirty or fluctuates too much.

Interesting Fact:

Bumblebee Gobies are brackish water fish in the wild, meaning they naturally inhabit areas where freshwater mixes with saltwater, like estuaries and mangrove swamps. Although they can thrive in freshwater, adding a small amount of aquarium salt can mimic their natural habitat and potentially improve their overall health and reduce stress in the aquarium. However, most aquarium keepers prefer to keep them in freshwater for easier care.