Golden-banded Goby | Brachygobius doriae
Others / Gobiidae / Golden-banded Goby
Profile: Doria's Bumblebee Goby, Golden-banded Goby
Brachygobius doriae Synonyms: Gobius doriae
Physical description: A small, squat species that has a laterally compressed rear region. There are two dorsal fins and the caudal fin edge is rounded. The color and band number is variable, although the yellow-gold to copper body is usually marked with four, broad black bands. The dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins are black, while the caudal fin may be black to copper. The bands lessen in width with age.
Size/Length: To 2" (5 cm)
Similar species: Bumblebee Fish ( Brachygobius xanthozona ) found in fresh and brackish waters of Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Thailand, and Vietnam. Another Bumblebee Goby ( B. nunus ) inhabits similar habitats.
Habitat: Asia; fresh and brackish water in Borneo, Java, India, Malaysia, Sumatra, and Thailand
S: bottom
Aquarium: A 16" (40 cm) or 5 gallon (19 L) tank is sufficient. A shallow, wide tank is preferred. Provide a retreat for each fish with rocks, wood, pipes, shells, and roots. Use plants that can tolerate brackish water. The substrate should be sand, although fine gravel is acceptable.
Water chemistry: pH 7-8.5 (7.5), 10-30 dH (14), 75-86°F (24-30°C). A 1-1.5% addition of salt is recommended. Add 7.5-11 tsp. of salt for every 10 gallons (10-15 g/10 L).
Social behavior: A peaceful, quiet fish that can be kept in a brackish water tank with small to medium sized fish. This species is very territorial towards others of its own species, although suggest keeping it in groups as this disperses aggression.
Suggested companions: Glass fish, Livebearers, Halfbeaks, Rainbowfish
FOOD: Live; worms, insect larvae, crustaceans; tablets
Sexual differences: Males are more colorful, while females are plumper.
Breeding techniques: A pair should be kept in a clean, brackish water tank. The addition of fresh water, coupled with a slight increase in temperature induces spawning. The female has a visible ovipositor two to three days prior to egg laying. From 150-200 eggs are laid in snail shells, under rocks and roots, and in crevices. The eggs hatch in 4-5 days and the male guards the brood. Start feeding with roftiers and later with Artemia nauplii. The fry first swim in the middle water levels before becoming substrate dwellers.
Breeding potential: 6. Breeding is not difficult under the proper conditions.
REMARKS: This Goby can be slowly acclimated to fresh water, although prefers brackish. Males and females undergo a color change at spawning times when the front half of their body darkens.
Difficulty of care: 5. This brackish water species requires live foods and peaceful companions. This Goby is sensitive to changing water conditions.