Brachygobius xanthomelas, commonly known as the Bumblebee Goby, is a small, brackish water fish known for its distinctive black and yellow banding and peaceful demeanor.
Overview
Brachygobius xanthomelas, also known as the Bumblebee Goby, is a small, brackish water fish native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the coastal regions of Thailand and Indonesia. Known for their striking black and yellow banding, these gobies are a popular choice for small aquariums. They typically reach a size of 2.5-3.5 cm and have a lifespan of about 2-3 years with proper care. Due to their small size and specific water requirements, they are best suited for specialized aquariums with some experience in fishkeeping.
Tank Requirements
Bumblebee Gobies thrive in a well-maintained aquarium of at least 40 liters, with brackish water conditions. They prefer a temperature range of 24-28°C, a pH of 7.0-8.5, and a general hardness (GH) of 8-20 dGH. The tank should have plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks, caves, and driftwood, to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. A substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal. Keeping the water slightly brackish with a specific gravity of around 1.005-1.010 is crucial for their health and longevity.
Feeding and Diet
Brachygobius xanthomelas are carnivorous and thrive on a diet of live and frozen foods. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton. In the aquarium, they should be provided with a variety of foods, such as live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and tubifex. While they may accept high-quality flake foods or pellets, live or frozen foods should form the bulk of their diet to ensure optimal health and coloration. Feeding them small amounts 2-3 times a day is recommended to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care of Bumblebee Gobies includes maintaining stable water conditions and ensuring the brackish nature of the water is consistent. Regular water changes of 20-30% weekly are necessary to keep the water clean and reduce the buildup of harmful substances. Monitoring water parameters such as salinity, pH, and hardness is essential to prevent stress and disease. They are generally hardy fish but can be susceptible to stress-related illnesses if their environmental needs are not met.
Compatibility
Bumblebee Gobies are peaceful but territorial, especially with their own kind. They are best kept in species-only tanks or with other small, peaceful brackish water species. Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish or fast-swimming species that may outcompete them for food. When housed with other Bumblebee Gobies, ensure there are plenty of hiding spots to reduce aggression and establish territories. Maintaining a ratio of one goby per 10 liters of water is a good practice to prevent overcrowding and stress.
Breeding
Breeding Brachygobius xanthomelas in captivity can be challenging but rewarding. A separate breeding tank with brackish water, a temperature around 26-28°C, and plenty of hiding spots is recommended. Males will often court females with displays and lead them to a chosen spawning site. After spawning, the male guards the eggs until they hatch, usually within 7-10 days. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food, gradually moving on to baby brine shrimp as they grow.