Here are some tips:
- These little carnivores have a distinct taste for live food. ...
- Feed your gobies tubifex and blood worms. ...
- Set up a live food culture. ...
- Bumblebee gobies may show interest in frozen food if the current makes the food move around. ...
- Fry dumb enough to hang out in the bottom of the tank is a snack for your Bumblebee gobies. ...
What do Bumblebee gobies like to eat?
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. Live food is really the best option for bumblebee gobies. They will readily take tubifex and blood worms that are still living.
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. ...
Are bumblebee goby good for beginners?
One example is the Bumblebee Goby, an attractive fish and social fish that livens up the lower regions of fish tanks. They are a little more challenging than most species to care for, so beginners might want to get some experience elsewhere first. Aquarists with some know-how will enjoy the challenge.
Do Bumblebee gobies need sinking pellets?
Some of the sinking pellets specifically designed for carnivorous fish may work, however. ( This one from Hikari is a good option.) 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.

Do bumblebee gobies need salt?
For instance, true freshwater bumblebee goby (Brachygobius xanthomelas) doesn't need any salt added to its tank to remain happy and healthy. But as the species looks the same as any other in the genus, a glance won't tell you which you have.
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.
What do you feed freshwater gobies?
Best Diet for Goby Fish 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.
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.
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.
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 care for a bumblebee goby?
You need to match your tank with the water quality the fish were raised in. Otherwise, it's very likely that you'll shock their system which will eventually lead to death. Beyond salinity levels, bumblebee gobies are relatively hardy. They like slightly alkaline water and warm temperatures.
What do goby fish eat?
Round gobies are voracious feeders. Up to 60% of their diet is made up of mussels in some places. They also eat aquatic insect larvae, the young and eggs of other fish, and aquatic snails. In the Great Lakes they prey on zebra mussels, another Great Lakes exotic from the same native region.
How big do bumblebee goby get?
1-1.2 inchesSocial behavior: Peaceful, sometimes territorial, especially with its own kind. May nip at long-finned or long-barbeled fish. Origin: Indonesia. Average adult size: 1-1.2 inches (2.5-3 cm)
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.
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 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.
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.
What is a bumblebee goby?
The Bumblebee Goby is a species that lives in brackish water. This means their preferred salinity falls between freshwater and saltwater. This puts some people off. Some aquarists aren’t comfortable with handling salinity, others don’t like the limited number of tank mates available for brackish water aquariums.
Why are bumblebee gobies hard to find?
Bumblebee Gobies are harder to find tank mates for than most species. This is because they are from brackish water habitats, which narrows the range of possible companions. Their temperament doesn’t cause compatibility problems. They a relatively peaceful fish that can lie alongside other species.
Why are bumblebee gobies so prone to disease?
Bumblebee Gobies are not particularly prone to disease, but many aquarists unknowingly stress their fish with an imperfect salinity, which can promote disease.
What is a goby fish?
One example is the Bumblebee Goby, an attractive fish and social fish that livens up the lower regions of fish tanks. They are a little more challenging than most species to care for, so beginners might want to get some experience elsewhere first. Aquarists with some know-how will enjoy the challenge. Bumblebee Gobies are a great introduction ...
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.
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.
What are the fins of a goby?
This includes ventral fins that form suction cups that allow the fish to attach themselves to surfaces in the tank. Their dorsal fins are relatively short, and the caudal fin is small, rounded, and fan-like.
How to encourage bumblebee gobies to mate?
To encourage your Bumblebee Gobies to mate, just pour some freshwater into the tank to simulate the rain. As the water becomes less brackish, it will convince them it is time to breed.
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.
What kind of water do bumblebee gobies like?
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 are bumblebee gobies?
To sum it all up, bumblebee gobies are an exceptional species for biotope and themed tanks. They add a unique twist on what you would typically imagine a bottom-dwelling fish should be.
How many gobies can you have in a ten gallon tank?
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.
How big do bumblebee gobys grow?
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. Just make sure that nothing will eat them.
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.
Is Brachygobius xanthozona a goby?
Many aquarium stores will sell both the Brachygobius xanthozona and the Brachygobius nunus as bumblebee gobies. The problem lies in the fact that the B. nunas is a different species altogether and requires brackish water to survive. The B. nunas is technically a gold-banded goby but is seldom sold as such.
Will Gobies Eat Crabs?
It is safe to say gobies will eat crabs, even though gobies can be picky about what they will and won’t eat. Gobies, like most fish, need to consume protein in order to stay healthy and the goby’s natural habitat may not allow for them to get enough protein through their food supply.
Can Gobies Eat Shrimp?
Yes gobies can eat shrimp. It’s best to get goby food with a variety of different flavors or you may have a picky goby that only likes certain things. Salmon, salmon pellets, crabs, and shrimp are all good goby foods in general.
Will Gobies Eat Worms?
Yes, gobies will eat worms. Although some gobies are not picky about what they’ll eat, they need variety to ensure a goby diet is healthy and balanced – so if you only offer one type of food to your goby then make sure it’s multiple types at once.
Will Gobies Eat Starworms?
Yes gobies can eat starworms. They will not, however, eat them for a gobi’s only food source. They need a variety of goby foods to be healthy and happy which means other foods such as shrimp are also essential goby diet staples.
Do Gobies Eat Hermit Crabs?
Gobies will eat hermit crabs, especially if they cannot find an alternative goby food source. They usually eat from the gobi diet staples including shrimps and starworms, but hermit crabs are also good for gobies.
Will Gobies Eat Bristle Worms?
It actually depends on the gobi. Some gobies will only eat bristle worms if they are really hungry while other gobies eat bristle worms almost exclusively.
Will Gobies Eat Dead Fish?
If gobies are hungry enough they will eat dead fish. But gobies can have many other goby diet staples to keep them healthy and satisfied, so it is unlikely that a gobi will consume dead fish as their staple food source.

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…