Red Spotted Goby (Rhinogobius rubromaculatus)
| Red Spotted Goby Rhinogobius rubromaculatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Red Spotted Goby |
| Name Lat. | Rhinogobius rubromaculatus |
| Family | Gobies |
| Family lat. | Gobiidae |
| Order | Gobies |
| Order lat. | Gobiiformes |
| Origin | Taiwan |
| Habitat | Mountain streams |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 3-6 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4-5 cm |
| Temperature | 18-24 °C |
| Hardness | 5-12 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 60 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6"-2" |
| Temperature | 64-75 °F |
| Hardness | 89-214 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the red-spotted goby is in western and central Taiwan. They live in small, slow-flowing, oxygen-rich mountain streams with sandy-rocky bottoms among river pebbles, boulders, foliage and aquatic plants.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have partly dense planting and be structured with round river pebbles, flat stones and caves. A fine-grained substrate of round gravel, which can be covered with some foliage (sea almond tree, oak) and a moderate current is ideal
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed on insect larvae, small crustaceans and zooplankton. The food supply consists of live and frozen food. Feed once daily with cyclops, daphnia, bosmids, artemia or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). Protein-rich, sinking dry food is usually well accepted, but should not be the main component of the diet.
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance
Behaviour and compatibility
They are very peaceful towards other fish, only males are somewhat quarrelsome within the species. They should be kept in pairs or in a small group where aggression is better distributed. Keeping a group, two males with several females, is recommended only in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be well socialized with fish that reside in the upper water region
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The larger and more colorful males have a broader head and an extended dorsal and anal fin. During spawning, the eggs are visible in the female's shimmering blue abdomen.
Reproduction and breeding
They are cave breeders. The eggs are usually laid on the ceiling of a cave or crevice and guarded by the male. The larvae hatch after 3-4 days and float in the water. They begin to ingest minute food (rotifers) immediately after their yolk sac is depleted. After 9-12 days, their pelagic development is complete and the fry swim freely.
The fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, microworms). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
Gobies like to sit on flat or rounded rocks in the current. There are some differently colored location variants. They originate from cool mountain streams and accordingly higher temperatures are not tolerated in the long run. They can change their coloration very quickly due to their mood, e.g. during territorial disputes
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH value, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Ruinemans Aquarium B.V.
Source: BMEL (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF