The Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius spp.) is a small, colorful freshwater fish known for its striking appearance and unique behavior. It is often referred to as the "Bumblebee Goby" because of its distinctive yellow and black striped pattern, resembling the look of a bumblebee. There are several species of Bumblebee Gobies, but the most commonly kept in aquariums are Brachygobius xanthomelas and Brachygobius doriae.
Appearance
Coloration: The Bumblebee Goby is most recognizable for its black and yellow stripes, which resemble the pattern of a bumblebee. These colors are vibrant and stand out, making the fish an attractive addition to any tank.
Size: These gobies are quite small, typically growing to about 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) in length.
Body: The body iscompact, with a rounded belly and a slightly flattened head. They have small fins and a short body, contributing to their cute and distinctive appearance.
Habitat
Bumblebee Gobies are native to the brackish waters of Southeast Asia, particularly found in areas like the coastal regions of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They are often found in shallow rivers, mudflats, and estuarine environments where freshwater meets seawater.
These fish are adapted to slightly brackish water conditions and are typically found in slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and soft, sandy substrates.
Behavior
Peaceful and Social: Bumblebee Gobies are peaceful and shy in nature. They do well in small groups (a few individuals) and enjoy being around other peaceful species.
Territorial: Despite their small size, they can be a bit territorial and may establish a small home in the tank, particularly if there are plenty of hiding spots like rocks, caves, or plants.
Bottom-Dwelling: They are bottom-dwellers, spending much of their time near the substrate, where they forage for food. They may also be seen resting on rocks or plants.
Diet
Bumblebee Gobies are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods in their natural habitat. In captivity, they can be fed:
High-quality pellets or flakes
Live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia
Small crustaceans, snails, and algae.
They may also graze on biofilm and small detritus in the tank, helping keep the aquarium clean.
Due to their small size, feeding them smaller portions frequently is recommended.
Tank Setup
Water Conditions: Bumblebee Gobies thrive inslightly brackish water (SG 1.005–1.010), with a pH between 6.5–7.5 and temperatures ranging from 75–82°F (24–28°C).
Tank Setup: They do best in a well-planted tank with soft, sandy substrate and plenty of hiding spots, such as small caves, driftwood, or rocks. Providing a slightly turbid water flow or gentle filtration can mimic their natural habitat.
Tank Size: A tank of 10-20 gallons is adequate for a small group, as long as it includes enough hiding places and space to explore.
Tankmates
Bumblebee Gobies are typically peaceful but can be territorial with their own species, so it's best to keep them in small groups rather than large schools.
