Freshwater
Goby
More details
Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthozona)
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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
/ 10
Needs slightly brackish water and live/frozen foods to thrive; sensitive to poor water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 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
/ 10
Needs slightly brackish water and live/frozen foods to thrive; sensitive to poor water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 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
/ 10
Needs slightly brackish water and live/frozen foods to thrive; sensitive to poor water quality.
Environment Impact
/ 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
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