Species Snapshot
- Species Name: Stiphodon sp.
- Common Names: Neon blue goby, blue neon goby
- Size: 1.5-2 inches
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Native Distribution: Japan, Taiwan, and Micronesia
Known for its bright blue coloring and diminutive size, the blue neon goby is a unique and attractive addition to any freshwater cleanup crew. These bottom-dwelling fish will add a splash of color to your tank while helping keep it free from pesky algae. They’re ideally sized for nano tanks but will be a welcome addition to any planted tank. Dive in and learn more about blue neon goby care!
Anatomy and Appearance
Many species of goby are sold as neon blue gobies, so it’s up for debate which species is the truest form. Generally speaking, neon blue gobies belong to the Stiphodon genus, a group of around 40 freshwater gobies. Each member of this genus is native to a restricted area in Asia—typically an island or even a specific stream within an island.
Like other gobies, the neon blue goby is easily recognizable for its blunted head shape and tapered body. Members of the Stiphodon genus remain particularly small—most grow no longer than 2 inches in length. Also, typical to gobies, male specimens tend to be more vibrantly colored than females.
The species typically recognized as the blue neon goby or the electric blue neon goby is Stiphodon atropurpureus. Males of this particular species exhibit a bright, neon blue coloring while females usually have alternating horizontal strips of black or cream color.
Ideal Aquarium Setup
Not only are blue neon gobies still fairly rare in the aquarium trade, but they can be tricky to keep well. Many specimens available to aquarium hobbyists are wild-caught and thus very sensitive to unclean water and fluctuating parameters. Neon blue gobies are best introduced to mature, stable aquariums with clean, fast-flowing water.
Tank Size
Because neon blue gobies are small—some classify them as dwarf gobies—they can be comfortable in nano tanks under 30 gallons in volume. High water quality is essential, however, so if you’re not experienced in maintaining smaller tanks, it’s wise to choose a larger tank for this species.
With proper maintenance, a single neon blue goby (or a pair) can be kept in a tank as small as 10 gallons. For a small group, however, at least 30 gallons is recommended.
Water Parameters
As previously mentioned, clean water is essential for this species to thrive—especially if you’re stocking wild-caught specimens. Blue neon gobies are a tropical species, so their ideal water temperature ranges from about 68°F -82°F. An aquarium heater is highly recommended to keep the temperature stable.
Tank-bred specimens may be a little more adaptable than wild-caught specimens, but the best pH range for blue neon gobies is 5.5-7.0. Low water hardness between 4-8 dKH is best. Regardless of your tank parameters, make sure to acclimate your new gobies properly.
A strong filtration system is recommended for this species, not only to maintain high water quality but to facilitate the kind of flow these fish are used to. It’s also wise to incorporate supplemental aeration to keep the dissolved oxygen level high in your tank.
Tank Décor
Blue neon gobies will be most at home in a planted tank that has plenty of biofilm and algae growth to feed on. Because these are important food sources, make sure your tank has plenty of time to mature before you add your gobies. These fish generally don’t bother healthy aquarium plants but may occasionally feed on decaying plant matter.
In addition to planting your blue neon goby tank, make sure to include driftwood, rocks, and other décor to give your fish places to explore and hide. Driftwood is particularly good for cultivating biofilm. Choose your tank lighting carefully as well to promote the right balance of algae growth to keep your gobies fed.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, blue neon gobies are grazers, feeding primarily on biofilm and algae. They’ll do the same in any home aquarium but supplemental feeding may be necessary to meet their needs. Wild-caught specimens may be hesitant to accept commercial foods, so try a variety to find out what your fish like.
Commercial fish foods rich in plant matter are ideal for this species. It’s also wise to choose foods that will sink, like pellets or wafers. You can occasionally offer your gobies meaty frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms but don’t overdo it.
Temperament and Tank Mates
Due to their small size and peaceful temperaments, blue neon gobies are compatible with a wide array of freshwater fish. The key is to choose tankmates of similar size and activity level. Small tetras, rasboras, and even bottom-feeders may get along with blue neon gobies. These fish can even be kept with freshwater dwarf shrimp, especially if your tank is decorated to provide some low-flow areas for your shrimp to inhabit.
If you plan to keep blue neon gobies with other bottom-dwellers, make sure they’re equally passive. It’s important to avoid species that might outcompete your gobies for food. For this reason, it’s also wise to keep these gobies as the only algae-eaters in your tank.
Breeding Blue Neon Gobies
Because they’re still a recent entrant into the aquarium trade, the specifics of breeding blue neon gobies are little known. Cases of captive spawning have been reported but it’s not common for the fry to survive. Blue neon goby fry goes through a complex larval stage as they develop—one that’s difficult to replicate in captivity.
In the wild, fry is swept downstream as soon as they hatch into marine waters where they develop. Once they mature, they then swim back upstream into freshwater habitats to spawn themselves.
Other Interesting Facts
- When kept in large groups, blue neon gobies exhibit fascinating social behaviors—consider keeping them in a species-only tank to cultivate this.
- Dominant males in any group of blue neon gobies will exhibit the most beautiful coloration—specimens kept alone or in smaller groups may not achieve the same degree of vibrancy.
- Though small, blue neon goby males can become territorial—the larger your colony, the bigger the tank you should provide.
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