
- Live food is really the best option for bumblebee gobies.
- They will readily take tubifex and blood worms that are still living. They will eat frozen ones if there is a slight current to keep the food moving around.
- Hatched brine shrimp are also a great option. The same current needs apply for frozen brine shrimp.
- In my experience with my gobies, I found that tiny, live Convict Cichlid fry were the perfect meal for a hungry goby.
- Keep in mind that if the food doesn't move, your gobies won't eat it.
What do bumblebees eat?
Feeding bumblebees can be quite a problem, as only rarely will they accept flake foods. If you are lucky, they will take frozen bloodworm and Daphnia, if not, then you must be prepared to provide live foods of all kinds. They are particularly fond of white worm and Tubifex, and will also take most other aquatic invertebrates.
How to take care of a bumblebee goby fish?
Bumblebee Goby: The Complete Care Guide 1 Appearance. The BumbleBee Goby is quite a small fish, but its beauty makes it a good addition to most community tanks. 2 Environment. Bumblebee Gobies cannot survive in soft or acidic water. ... 3 Feeding. Due to their carnivorous nature, Bumblebee Gobies need to eat meat. ... 4 Breeding. ...
Do Bumblebee gobies eat Mollys?
If you keep a few livebearing fish, such as Mollys, in the tank with them, the Bumblebee Gobies can supplement their diet by eating the young of the other fish. This would be an optimal way of making sure they are fed; because, Bumblebee Gobies are slow swimmers and may not be fast enough to get food that is dropped into the tank.
What is the best substrate for Bumblebee gobies?
Sand is the proper substrate for bumblebee gobies, as it will allow them to move freely and burrow on occasion. Driftwood, river rocks, and live plants are also recommended to replicate natural conditions and to provide hiding. A well-planted and natural tank best suits bumblebee gobies.

What can I feed a freshwater goby?
Goby fish are predatory fish that will eat both plants and animals. Feeding your fish pellets, artificial food, and live foods. Some of the common foods you can offer include; daphnia, live brine shrimp, blood worms, and Cyclops.
How much salt does a Bumblebee Goby need?
In general, one teaspoon of marine salt per gallon (two grams of marine salt for every liter) of water is usually sufficient to meet a bumblebee goby's needs.
Do bumblebee gobies need brackish water?
Almost every guide out there for bumblebee gobies will tell you that brackish (slightly marine) water is best for these fish. I'm not going to tell you that they're wrong, but as long as you keep up your pH and hardness, freshwater will sustain these fish.
What do bumblebees fish eat?
The Bumblebee Goby requires a diet rich in small, live foods such as tubifex worms, bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia.
Do bumblebee gobies eat fish flakes?
Feeding Bumblee Goby Usually, they like to eat whatever that is floating around. So you cannot feed them with food that floats on the surface of the water, like flakes. They like eating live food as well as frozen food.
Can Bumblebee goby live in saltwater?
They are peaceful and can be housed with other peaceful fish as well as their own species. Gobies tend to stay mainly towards the bottom of the tank, burrowing and sifting through the sandy substrate....Care Facts.Care Level:EasyTemperament:PeacefulDiet:CarnivoreReef Safe:YesMinimum Tank Size:30 gallons1 more row
Can I keep bumblebee goby live in freshwater?
Bumblebee gobies are naturally found in slightly brackish ponds. Some fish will require low salinity levels in their tank to stay healthy. Others can do fine in pure freshwater.
How big do bumblebee goby get?
A Bumblebee Goby reaches 1.2 to 1.6 inches (3 to 4 cm) at full maturity, which makes them one of the smallest gobies in the world. Some specimens don't even grow that long. That said, this species makes a great choice if you have an interest in setting up a nano tank.
What fish can go with bumblebee goby?
Bumblebee goby is compatible with different peaceful tempered fish species of the same size and ability to live in brackish water like guppies and mollies. Fishes that move in the middle water layers or near the surface are better as bumblebee goby tank mates.
Will Bumblebee goby eat snails?
0:291:22Puffer vs. Snail and the Bumblebee Goby Wins - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd again that is one territorial goby will she will she continue to eat the snail.MoreAnd again that is one territorial goby will she will she continue to eat the snail.
How do you take care of a goby fish?
8:1815:44How to Take Care of Gobies: Species Spotlight with Hilary - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFood. Now krill is another good one that you can feed your gobies. As well as brine shrimp.MoreFood. Now krill is another good one that you can feed your gobies. As well as brine shrimp.
Do bumblebee gobies eat brine shrimp?
Bumblebee Gobies are carnivores, requiring nutritious, protein-rich foods. They generally only eat live or frozen foods, which can be more of a hassle to buy and store. They cost more too. There are lots of live/frozen foods to choose from though, including brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex worms, and bloodworms.
Are bumblebee gobies brackish?
Bumblebee gobies (Brachygobius spp.) have black and orange stripes on them, similar to a bumblebee. They are brackish-water species that will generally deteriorate in fresh water. The bumblebees comprise several closely related and similar-appearing species. Most of them grow to about 2 inches or so.
How big do bumblebee goby get?
A Bumblebee Goby reaches 1.2 to 1.6 inches (3 to 4 cm) at full maturity, which makes them one of the smallest gobies in the world. Some specimens don't even grow that long. That said, this species makes a great choice if you have an interest in setting up a nano tank.
How many gobies should I get?
Limit stocking to one goby of each genus unless there's plenty of room. Most will adapt well to captive diets and a variety of small fresh, frozen and artificial feeds is important. Many will fend for themselves in a mature reef system with natural plankton populations.
What kind of fish can a bumblebee goby live with?
Bumblebee goby is compatible with different peaceful tempered fish species of the same size and ability to live in brackish water like guppies and mollies. Fishes that move in the middle water layers or near the surface are better as bumblebee goby tank mates.
How big are bumblebee gobys?
Both are small, 4-5 cm (1.6-2 in) in length at most, and both have broad yellow and black vertical bands on the body, but in bumblebee goby, ...
Can you hide bumblebees in a cave?
If possible provide a cave or two, which can be half flowerpots either left just as they are or camouflaged with stones – the choice is yours, but make sure there are plenty of other hiding places because bumblebees are territorial, so it is important to have sufficient rocks, wood, and so on so that each fish can stake a claim to its own patch. Then, provided you don’t add more gobies or move the rocks around, there will be no real battles, just the fishes shaping up to each other if one inadvertently enters the territory of another.
Can a bumblebee goby live in a reef tank?
Frostbite Clownfish in a Reef Tank. Bumblebee goby is compatible with different peaceful tempered fish species of the same size and ability to live in brackish water like guppies and mollies. Fishes that move in the middle water layers or near the surface are better as bumblebee goby tank mates.
Can you keep a bumblebee goby in a tank?
Bumblebee Goby: Tank Mates, Care, Diet, and Breeding. Bumblebee gobies (Brachygobius) are suitable for those of you who cannot keep a large brackish water aquarium because they will be quite happy in a 10-20 gallons tank. Although these fishes are small, we do not recommend using anything smaller than this because it is more difficult ...
Can gobys live in a community tank?
Keeping these gobies in a community tank, they are not compatible with community aquariums because they need brackish water. The goby males battle for their territory on the aquarium floor, and notwithstanding this, it is recommended to have not smaller than 8 varieties in a school to make sure that they don’t show aggression towards other fish.
Can bumblebees eat flake food?
Bumblebee goby diet. Feeding bumblebees can be quite a problem, as only rarely will they accept flake foods. If you are lucky, they will take frozen bloodworm and Daphnia, if not, then you must be prepared to provide live foods of all kinds.
What is the habitat of a bumblebee goby?
The Bumblebee Goby is a species that lives in brackish water. This means their preferred salinity falls between freshwater and saltwater.
How long do bumblebee gobys live?
Go to a different store if there are any problems. When kept in a healthy environment, a Bumblebee Goby should live for about 3 years. They could live even longer, but this depends on the individual fish and the quality of care.
How long does it take for a bumblebee goby to hatch?
Once this has happened, separate the eggs from the adults, except for the father. The male will guard the eggs until they hatch after about a week.
Is a bumblebee goby saltwater?
The Ultimate Bumblebee Goby Care Guide. Home aquariums are usually freshwater or saltwater, but there is a whole world in between. Brackish setups are underappreciated, there is a lot they can offer. One example is the Bumblebee Goby, an attractive fish and social fish that livens up the lower regions of fish tanks.
Can you keep a bumblebee goby singly?
Keeping a Bumblebee Goby singly would stress it out and could lead to further health problems.
Are Bumblebee Gobies Suitable for Your Aquarium?
You should now have a good idea as to whether these fish are right for you.
What is the best thing about a bumblebee goby?
One of the best things about the Bumblebee Goby is watching the males. Given enough space, each male will establish its own area, its territory, and will spend a good amount of time chasing other males out of this space. No one gets hurt, and it can just be a bit of fishy fun to watch.
What temperature do bumblebee gobies need?
Temperature. Bumblebee Gobies will do best in water between 73 F and 79 F. If you have your tank in a climate controlled room, this may be no problem for you. Depending on your location, however, you may need a heater to keep your water at the right temperature.
Why are bumblebee gobies aggressive?
Due to the tiny nature of the Bumblebee Goby, they can be aggressive if kept in community tank without some same species friends. This aggression can be curbed by giving your Bumblebee Goby some same species friends to hang around with. Bumblebee Gobies like to swim in school, so this will help they be more peaceful to tank mates.
How big are bumblebee gobies?
Reaching a length of only two inches as adults, Bumblebee Gobies are one of the smallest freshwater fish. While most species of Gobies are saltwater fish, a few species, like the Bumblebee Goby prefer brackish water, and some can even survive in freshwater.
How often do bumblebee gobies change water?
One thing to remember here is that larger water changes on the order of 30% every other week are better than small 10% changes every week. Since Bumblebee Gobies stay at the bottom, the’ll also be less affected by the removal of the existing water than other species.
Why is a bumblebee goby called a goby?
It is called a Bumblebee Goby due to its beautiful yellow and black stripes.
What is a bumblebee goby?
The bumblebee goby is an adorable yellow and black striped fish that you may have seen (or taken home) at your local fish store. It comes with a catch, however: While it can live in freshwater, it is actually healthiest in a brackish tank. My best.
How big of a tank do bumblebee goby fish need?
Optimal tank size for a small group of fish starts with 80 liters.
What is a bumblebee goby?
Bumblebee goby (Brachygobius doriae) The bumblebee goby (Brachygobius doriae) is a small, bright and peaceful fish which nano tank owners eagerly buy. Further in the article, you’ll find out how to keep bumblebee goby, feed it, select tank mates, and breed it.
How long do bumblebee goby eggs last?
As for the males, they stay in the shelter and guard the eggs till the larvae hatches. Egg stage lasts for 7-9 days. The juveniles start to swim several days later. First the bumblebee goby juveniles feed on their yolk beg leftovers and then you should start feeding them with infusorians and rotifers.
What color are bumblebee goby fish?
Provided with favorable tank conditions the fish has very bright and contrast coloring pattern of golden-yellow and tar dark stripes that go in turns, which makes the fish look like a bee and due to this bumblebee goby got its name.
Where do bumblebee goby live?
The bumblebee goby habitat is in Indonesian islands – Java, Sumatra and Borneo. It dwells in lowlands with brackish water along coastline – such as mangrove swamps, estuaries of rivers running into the sea. As a rule bottom there consists of clay loam, sand and mud with some organics on it, such as fallen leaves, mango tree roots and snags.
What to put in aquarium bottom?
Sand will be a good choice for the tank bottom substrate. You may add coral sand or marble gravels into the sand on the tank bottom to act as a buffer and put some sea salt into the tank water – about 2 grams per one liter of water. This isn’t obligatory, though it is useful in terms of disease prevention.
Is a bumblebee goby a micropredator?
The bumblebee goby is a micropredator. It is a carnivorous fish, that’s why it’s preferable to feed it with small live and frozen food. This can be tubifex, brine shrimp and daphnia. The fish gathers its food from the tank bottom.
What is the best food for bumblebee gobies?
Live food is really the best option for bumblebee gobies.
How hard is water for bumblebee gobies?
Water Hardness: 12–18dH. Bumblebee gobies are highly territorial among their own species, and overstocking will result in a tremendous amount of quarreling and possibly injury. To ensure the best living conditions, only stock two gobies in a ten-gallon aquarium.
What is the difficulty of care rating for bumblebee gobies?
Here is where the "difficulty of care" rating takes on an 8 out of 10 score. Bumblebee gobies are tricky to feed. Because they are an opportunistic-style feeder, they will snap at anything that might swim or float by, so flakes and dry foods are out of the question.
What is a bumblebee goby?
The bumblebee goby ( B. xanthozona) is a small, bottom-dwelling, carnivorous fish that is distinguished by its solid, unbroken black stripes and bright yellow body.
Do bumblebee gobys swim?
Growing to an average length of around two inches in the aquarium, the bumblebee goby is well-suited for a community-style tank. They work well with a variety of fishes.
Do bumblebee gobies live in freshwater?
All the bumblebee gobies I've cared for have lived long and healthy lives in freshwater. Never once did they show signs of stress or washed-out colors—just some food for thought. If you feel more comfortable with brackish water, add marine salt solution until a specific gravity of 1.004 is reached.

Species Summary
Appearance
- The given trade name of these fish does a pretty good job of describing their physical appearance. The first thing you’ll notice is their distinct striped pattern. Alternating stripes of black and yellow cover their entire bodies. The exact hue of the yellow stripes can vary a bit from fish to fish. Some specimens can have pale yellow patterns while others lean more on the side of orang…
Size
- These fish aren’t very big at all. At full maturity, the average bumblebee goby size is only about an inch and a half long!Some don’t even make it to that. Because they’re so small, this species is a great choice for anyone looking for an interesting nano fish. Although if you’re going to try and maximize their lifespan you’ll probably want a slightly bigger setup than that.
Bumblebee Goby Care
- As we mentioned earlier, bumblebee gobies care can be a little tricky. This species does require a bit more work than a simple Goldfish or some other straightforward species. With that said, caring for this quirky fish is manageable. The key is to have a strong understanding of their specific needs and provide them with optimal living conditions.
Behavior & Temperament
- Generally speaking, bumblebee gobies are quite peaceful. They’re passive creatures that would rather hide than show aggression. With that said, some territorial behavior has been observed. The fish will usually claim a small part of the tank as their own and guard it heavily. If another fish of the same species enters, they may spar a bit. However, this is usually just light fighting and ne…
Bumblebee Goby Tank Mates
- Finding adequate tank mates for the bumblebee goby isn’t always easy. This is due, in large part, to their brackish water needs. Their temperament is never the issue! Furthermore, the small size of the fish can make them a target for larger species. Other fish will be competing for the food you provide. Thanks to their small stature, they’ll almost always lose those battles. For these reason…
Breeding
- Bumblebee gobies are egg-layers. Females can lay upwards of 200 eggs at one time! Triggering the breeding process isn’t too difficult. Typically, breeders will simply provide food with higher protein content than normal. Some will also add a bit of freshwater to the tank. You’ll know that the fish are breeding when you see females start to swell up. She’ll lay her eggs in small hiding s…
It’S Time to Make A Decision
- Tons of people are drawn to the bumblebee goby because of their unique and cute appearance. They envision having a ton of these little fishes swimming around their tank while they sit back and enjoy. But when they find out about some of the care requirements they lose interest. Before considering getting this fish you should consider if you’re willing to provide them with proper car…
Bumblebee Goby Facts & Overview
Appearance
- These are attractive fish, which pairs wonderfully with their interesting personalities to make a tempting tank mate for home aquariums. Their common name does a good job of describing what they look like. They have thick black and yellow vertical stripes from their head to the base of their tail, resembling a bumblebee. Sometimes these stripes extend to the fins, but the fins are u…
Habitat and Tank Conditions
- This species is native to Asia, in countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They aren’t found elsewhere in the wild, but they are sold across the world in the aquarium industry. They primarily live in brackish water habitats, where there is a mix of freshwater and saltwater. Estuaries and mangroves are the main examples. They stick to the shallows, away from bigger fi…
Diet
- A healthy diet is essential for healthy fish. Providing a range of nutrientswill help to keep your fish strong and help them to fend off diseases. Unfortunately, feeding Bumblebee Gobies is one of the hardest parts of owning them. They are picky eaters and will only eat their favorite foods. Dried foods are usually out of the question. Flakes and p...
Care
- These fish usually live for about 3 years in captivity, but with high-quality care, you could be able to extend this. Bumblebee Gobies need a clean environment, just like all fish do. By regularly performing tank maintenance, this shouldn’t be an issue. The main tasks when keeping the tank clean are performing regular partial water changes and wiping away excess algae, but there are …
Breeding
- Bumblebee Gobies are not the easiest fish to breed, but it is very possible in captivity if you know what you are doing. Spawning will only occur when environmental conditions are perfect. This means keeping the tank, and the water, clean. Perhaps increase the frequency of your cleaning regime. A nutritious diet is also crucial. This must be full of protein. To help trigger spawning, so…
Are Bumblebee Gobies Suitable For Your Aquarium?
- You should now have a good idea as to whether these fish are right for you. There are a few challenges to overcome initially, but once your aquarium is up and running, the experience will be much easier. Designing their tank and diet will be done before you even buy some Bumblebee Gobies. This is easy if you’ve done your research. After that, you just have to clean the tank and t…
Appearance
- The BumbleBee Goby is quite a small fish, but its beauty makes it a good addition to most community tanks. It is called a Bumblebee Goby due to its beautiful yellow and black stripes. Bumblebee Gobies also have fused pelvic fins which they use like a sucker. They can use these fins to attach to glass or rock surfaces. Due to their small size, they do need to be kept with othe…
Environment
- Bumblebee Gobies cannot survive in soft or acidic water. They must have hard water to survive. Because they are normally found in the brackish waters near Asia, they do better in slightly brackish water. To accomplish this, do three things: 1. Get a hydrometer to measure your tank’s salinity. 2. Mix the salt into a bucket of water. (If you have anything in the tank, don’t add the salt …
Feeding
- Due to their carnivorous nature, Bumblebee Gobies need to eat meat. Things like brine shrimp, tubifex worms, or even blood worms would keep them happy and healthy. You can opt for live, frozen, or freeze-dried. Take note, however: It will be much easier to get them to eat live food. Here are some ideas for things you can easily grow for your bumble...
Breeding
- Bumblebee Gobies are actually really interesting when it comes to breeding, and besides their beautiful stripes, it is one of the most interesting things about them.
Fun Bumblebee Goby Facts
- Due to the tiny nature of the Bumblebee Goby, they can be aggressive if kept in community tank without some same species friends. This aggression can be curbed by giving your Bumblebee Goby some sa...
- Bumblebee Gobies don’t have swim bladders like many other fish do, so this tends to keep them down towards the bottom of the tank more. Due to the lack of swim bladder, they can’t …
- Due to the tiny nature of the Bumblebee Goby, they can be aggressive if kept in community tank without some same species friends. This aggression can be curbed by giving your Bumblebee Goby some sa...
- Bumblebee Gobies don’t have swim bladders like many other fish do, so this tends to keep them down towards the bottom of the tank more. Due to the lack of swim bladder, they can’t rise as readily a...
- Reaching a length of only two inches as adults, Bumblebee Gobies are one of the smallest freshwater fish.
- While most species of Gobies are saltwater fish, a few species, like the Bumblebee Goby prefer brackish water, and some can even survive in freshwater. The Bumblebee Goby can, in fact, s…
Habitat in The Wild
Description
Difficulties in Keeping
Keeping in A Tank
Feeding
- The bumblebee goby is a micropredator. It is a carnivorous fish, that’s why it’s preferable to feed it with small live and frozen food. This can be tubifex, brine shrimp and daphnia. The fish gathers its food from the tank bottom. Usually it refuses to eat artificial food. The fish is quite demanding in terms of feeding and may not eat during the f...
Tank Mates
Gender Differences: Male vs Female
Breeding