Bumblebee Goby
Brachygobius doriae
Tiny, boldly banded, and feistier than its size suggests.
About
The bumblebee goby (Brachygobius doriae) is a small but personality-packed fish from the coastal and estuarine waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore. Its vivid alternating yellow and dark brown bands give it an unmistakable look that punches well above its weight for a fish barely reaching an inch and a half. In the wild it inhabits brackish environments, and replicating those slightly saline conditions in the aquarium is one of the key challenges this species presents. Which is why it tends to suit keepers who already have some experience dialing in water chemistry. Being a strict carnivore, it won't accept dry or prepared foods easily, so plan on regularly sourcing small live or frozen invertebrates like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia. Temperament-wise, these gobies are bold for their size but can get snappy with each other, especially in tighter spaces, so providing plenty of caves, shells, and broken sightlines helps keep the peace. A species-only or carefully chosen brackish community works best. Despite the specialized setup they demand, bumblebee gobies reward patient keepers with years of entertaining, interactive behavior. They're curious little fish that quickly learn to recognize feeding time.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Bumblebee Goby
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Bumblebee Goby get?
- The Bumblebee Goby reaches about 1–1.5" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Bumblebee Goby need?
- A minimum of 5 gallons is recommended for the Bumblebee Goby, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Bumblebee Goby need?
- The Bumblebee Goby does best with a temperature of 72–84°F, a pH of 7.5–8.2.
- Is the Bumblebee Goby aggressive?
- The Bumblebee Goby is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Bumblebee Goby eat?
- The Bumblebee Goby is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Bumblebee Goby live?
- With good care, the Bumblebee Goby typically lives 5-8 years.