Bumble Bee Goby

Brachygobius Species

Several species of related goby fish are known as bumble bee gobies. Each has similarities to both the appearance and behaviour of a bumble bee. Broad vertical yellow and black vertical bands stripe the round body of these fish. They  also swims slowly, bumbling around the aquarium floor. If provided with a few broad leaved aquatic plants and they may venture into higher parts of the aquarium.

Like other gobies this fish has modified fins which form a suction cup shape on their undersurface.

Tankmates For Your Bumble Bee Goby

Bumble bee gobies fare best when kept as part of a small shoal. Buy at least two fish as they will appreciate the companionship. Because of the small size these fish pose no threat to other adult fish. They are a good lower water species to keep with tetras or livebearers. They can also hold their own against fish larger than themselves with some confidence.

Feeding Gobies

The bumble bee goby enjoys the diet of a carnivore. Live or frozen food is a must for the bumble bee goby. Although they may accept some flake food they will not thrive on such a diet. When kept in a community aquarium be aware that the bumble bee goby may be slower to reach and consume food than other fish. Try to let some food fall around their favourite hiding places for such shy gobies.

Breeding These Fish

To induce spawning add some freshwater to mimic the rain entering their natural brackish environment. These fish have large clutches of eggs which produce several hundred fry. They will choose a secluded space such as behind a filter or within a cave to deposit and hatch the eggs.

The male fish will take responsibility for the eggs until the fry emerge a few days later. For best results spawn the fish in their own aquarium and remove the parents once the eggs have hatched.

A well matured sponge filter can be useful for feeding the fry when small. Paramecium or other infusorians an also be offered. Once mature the goby fry will thrive on baby brine shrimp.

Bumble Bee Goby Profile

Family - Gobiidae

Size - 5 cm

Fish Origin - Asian estuaries and rivers

Water - PH 7.5 - 8.5, hard, for most species brackish water is preferred.

Temperature - 22-26°C

Feeding - Thrives on bloodworms, tubifex, brine shrimp & daphnia

Sexing - Female plumper than male

Breeding - Chooses a secluded spot to spawn in cave or on a surface

Aquarium - House with a  school of it's own kind and other community fish

Different Bumble Bee Goby Species

Brachygobius aggregatus
Brachygobius doriae
Brachygobius kabiliensis
Brachygobius mekongensis
Brachygobius nunus
Brachygobius sabanus
Brachygobius sua
Brachygobius xanthomelas
Brachygobius xanthozona
Brachygobius xanthozonus

The different species and pseudonyms used for these fish can cause some confusion. There is as much as an inch in difference between the available varieties and some prefer freshwater rather than brackish water. Researching from the list of names may help to determine the actual bumble bee goby variety being kept and its specific differences.