Freshwater

Goby

More details

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthozona)

Pro

Pro

Description

The Bumblebee Goby is a tiny, vividly striped goby known for its yellow and black banding, bee-like appearance, and quirky behavior. It’s a favorite for nano and brackish aquariums.

Difficulty Level

Intermediate Care

Region

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthozona)

Core Details

Highlights

Care Level

0

/ 10

Needs slightly brackish water and live/frozen foods to thrive; sensitive to poor water quality.

Environment Impact

0

/ 10

Often wild-caught but increasingly available from captive-bred sources; brackish aquariums reduce collection pressure.

Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam—found in brackish estuaries, mangrove creeks, and tidal streams.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Alternating black and yellow bands give it a striking “bumblebee” appearance. Its slow, hovering swimming style and small size make it ideal for close observation.

Purpose
Best as a visual accent in nano or species-only tanks. Its shy, inquisitive nature brings charm and micro-movement to the lower water column.

Importance
Offers a unique addition to brackish or low-end freshwater tanks. Highlights estuary environments in biotope aquariums and encourages responsible feeding practices.

Included Resources
Requires slightly brackish water (SG 1.002–1.006), fine sand substrate, caves or shells for hiding, and gentle flow. Prefers tanks with high water quality and low nitrates.

Best Use Cases
Brackish nano aquariums, mangrove or estuarine biotopes, or as a quirky species-only display in small tanks.

Conservation Context
Increased interest in brackish aquaria promotes habitat education. Ensure sources are ethical to avoid unsustainable wild collection.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Other Bumblebee Gobies (group of 5–7)
• Small brackish mollies
• Nerite snails
• Amano shrimp (if salinity is moderate)
• Not suitable with aggressive or fast feeders

Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore Estuaries)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 10.3157° N
• Longitude: 123.8854° E
(Central Visayas, Philippines — brackish inlets)

How Many Can I Keep?

Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.

e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthozona)

Core Details

Highlights

Care Level

0

/ 10

Needs slightly brackish water and live/frozen foods to thrive; sensitive to poor water quality.

Environment Impact

0

/ 10

Often wild-caught but increasingly available from captive-bred sources; brackish aquariums reduce collection pressure.

Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam—found in brackish estuaries, mangrove creeks, and tidal streams.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Alternating black and yellow bands give it a striking “bumblebee” appearance. Its slow, hovering swimming style and small size make it ideal for close observation.

Purpose
Best as a visual accent in nano or species-only tanks. Its shy, inquisitive nature brings charm and micro-movement to the lower water column.

Importance
Offers a unique addition to brackish or low-end freshwater tanks. Highlights estuary environments in biotope aquariums and encourages responsible feeding practices.

Included Resources
Requires slightly brackish water (SG 1.002–1.006), fine sand substrate, caves or shells for hiding, and gentle flow. Prefers tanks with high water quality and low nitrates.

Best Use Cases
Brackish nano aquariums, mangrove or estuarine biotopes, or as a quirky species-only display in small tanks.

Conservation Context
Increased interest in brackish aquaria promotes habitat education. Ensure sources are ethical to avoid unsustainable wild collection.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Other Bumblebee Gobies (group of 5–7)
• Small brackish mollies
• Nerite snails
• Amano shrimp (if salinity is moderate)
• Not suitable with aggressive or fast feeders

Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore Estuaries)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 10.3157° N
• Longitude: 123.8854° E
(Central Visayas, Philippines — brackish inlets)

How Many Can I Keep?

Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.

e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthozona)

Core Details

Highlights

Care Level

0

/ 10

Needs slightly brackish water and live/frozen foods to thrive; sensitive to poor water quality.

Environment Impact

0

/ 10

Often wild-caught but increasingly available from captive-bred sources; brackish aquariums reduce collection pressure.

Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam—found in brackish estuaries, mangrove creeks, and tidal streams.

Visual & Functional Appeal
Alternating black and yellow bands give it a striking “bumblebee” appearance. Its slow, hovering swimming style and small size make it ideal for close observation.

Purpose
Best as a visual accent in nano or species-only tanks. Its shy, inquisitive nature brings charm and micro-movement to the lower water column.

Importance
Offers a unique addition to brackish or low-end freshwater tanks. Highlights estuary environments in biotope aquariums and encourages responsible feeding practices.

Included Resources
Requires slightly brackish water (SG 1.002–1.006), fine sand substrate, caves or shells for hiding, and gentle flow. Prefers tanks with high water quality and low nitrates.

Best Use Cases
Brackish nano aquariums, mangrove or estuarine biotopes, or as a quirky species-only display in small tanks.

Conservation Context
Increased interest in brackish aquaria promotes habitat education. Ensure sources are ethical to avoid unsustainable wild collection.

Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Other Bumblebee Gobies (group of 5–7)
• Small brackish mollies
• Nerite snails
• Amano shrimp (if salinity is moderate)
• Not suitable with aggressive or fast feeders

Region (A)
• Latitude: 1.3521° N
• Longitude: 103.8198° E
(Singapore Estuaries)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 10.3157° N
• Longitude: 123.8854° E
(Central Visayas, Philippines — brackish inlets)

How Many Can I Keep?

Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.

e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthozona)

Region

Drag and orbit around the species’ natural range.

Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.

Drag to rotate and discover where this species originates in the world.

People also like…

A vibrant red-finned fish with a sleek, silver body and distinct black stripe along its side is displayed against a stark white background.

Cherryspot Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)

Cherryspot Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
Cherryspot Rasbora (Boraras brigittae)
A small, vibrant red fish with translucent fins and a streamlined body swims gracefully against a soft, neutral background, showcasing its delicate scales and natural elegance.

Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus)

Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus)
Rosy Tetra (Hyphessobrycon rosaceus)
A vibrant yellow fish with subtle orange markings and distinct black spots along its body is centered against a light beige background.

Gold Barb (Puntius semifasciolatus)

Gold Barb (Puntius semifasciolatus)
Gold Barb (Puntius semifasciolatus)
A transparent fish with distinct fins and body structure is showcased against a light, neutral background, highlighting its delicate features and translucent appearance.

X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)

X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)
X-Ray Tetra (Pristella maxillaris)
A vibrant blue fish with distinct silver fins swims isolated against a plain white background.

Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)

Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri “Blue”)
A vibrant orange and black fish with distinct striped patterns and translucent fins swims gracefully against a plain, light background.

Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)

Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)
Black Arrow Royal Tetra (Hyphessobrycon sp. “Black Arrow”)
A vibrant blue fish with translucent fins and a shiny, metallic sheen, swimming against a plain beige background.

Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)

Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)
Blue Emperor Tetra (Nematobrycon palmeri)
A guppy fish with a white body and dark spots swims against a plain beige background, showcasing vibrant red-orange patches on its cheeks and a delicate, fan-like tail.

Tiger Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)

Tiger Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
Tiger Swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii)
A black betta fish with iridescent blue highlights on its body gracefully swims against a soft, cream-colored background, showcasing its large, elegantly fanned tail.

Black Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata var. “Black Moscow")

Black Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata var. “Black Moscow")
Black Moscow Guppy (Poecilia reticulata var. “Black Moscow")