Bumblebee Goby Care Guide

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius spp.) is an advanced-level freshwater fish that needs at least 10 gallons and 72-82°F. A tiny yellow-and-black goby that perches on wood and rocks. It is often sold as a freshwater fish but does best in lightly brackish water, and many will only accept live or frozen foods, so it is not a beginner fish.

Care facts at a glance

Quick tips

• Provide brackish water (a pinch of aquarium salt is not enough; use marine salt mix to the right gravity).
• Confirm it eats frozen foods before bringing it home.
• Give each goby a cave or a flowerpot to claim.

San Diego water

Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.