Bumblebee Goby (freshwater) opinions...

[boxman]

My LFS have told me on good authority their Bumblebee Gobies (BBG's) are several generations bread in freshwater..... I've read several arguements with regards to climatising brackish fish into freshwater but I have the following questions

1) Are they aggressive toward other fish? (Namely tankmates in my 22g)
2) What are your experiences of their growth rate? (I know they are all different - just interested in others experiences)
3) Are they best in groups?

Thanks

 

[CFC]

They would be several generations bred in freshwater, as the species breed in freshwater but then move down to saltier waters as they mature. There is much debate as to which the exact species in the trade is and as to whether they are a freshwater species or not but it cannot be denied that whatever they are they do best in water with a SG between 1.003 and 1.005 .

They do best in groups of 6 or more and are fin nippers, they do best when kept with other small brackish fish like figure 8 puffers and other gobies. As to growth rates its hard to say since they are already 3/4 grown when you purchase them.

If you want a small freshwater goby that is peacefull look at peacock gobies (gudgeons) which are a far better choice.

 

[Teelie]

Gudgeons are some nice looking fish. I'm looking at Purple Spotted ones myself.

 

[Dwarfs]

I agree with CFC, peacock gudgeons aren't very aggressive, and are 3 times more beautiful than bumble bees

 

[nmonks]

Bumblebees are really nice fish.

There are more than one species of bumblebee goby, and at least two are regularly imported into Europe and the US. Ironically, the one listed in most aquarium books Hypogymnogobius xanthozona is probably never imported. It is very rare even in museum collections, let alone tropical fish stores. Identifying Brachygobius species to species level is, I am told by a scientist working on these fish, impossible without a dead specimen and a microscope.

Anyway, I have some in my 180 litre community tank and I can tell you in my experience (1) they are territorial rather than aggressive; (2) don't grow in length much but do get fat very quickly; and (3) are a lot of fun in groups.

In my tank each seems to mark off a territory about 10-15 cm across. Some individuals seem not to swim far from this patch, while others will cruise all around the middle and top of the tank for several minutes at a time. They don't always chase one another away from their patch, and will sometimes just sit and stare at each other. They pretty much ignore everything else.

Once settled they are much easier to feed that I feared they might be. They eat crustacean eggs, finely chopped shrimps, and occasionally a few bloodworms. Don't seem that wild about small crustaceans like brine shrimp though.

Cheers,

Neale

1) Are they aggressive toward other fish? (Namely tankmates in my 22g)
2) What are your experiences of their growth rate? (I know they are all different - just interested in others experiences)
3) Are they best in groups?

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[boxman]

Thanks all for the advice - hmm, lots to think about now! (I want a brackish tank!!! hehe)