Overview
- The Blue Neon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus) is a small stream goby. Males show a vivid blue sheen.
- Found in short coastal streams in the Philippines, southern China, Taiwan, Japan and Malaysia.
- Grows to about 2 in (5 cm).
- Often sold under the wrong name, such as S. elegans.
Feeding
- A specialist grazer on algae and the tiny organisms living in it.
- Needs a mature tank with plenty of algae-covered rocks.
- Add sinking dried foods and small frozen foods.
Habitat
- A tank with a base of 24 × 12 in (60 × 30 cm) for a pair or small group.
- Smooth rocks and gravel in bright light encourage algae growth. [UNVERIFIED]
- Water: 72–79°F (22–26°C), pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–12.
Fish Care
- Water must be clean and well-oxygenated at all times.
- Aim for filter turnover of 10–15 times the tank volume per hour.
- Use a tight lid. [UNVERIFIED] These gobies can climb glass and escape.
Compatibility
- Good with peaceful stream fish such as White Cloud Mountain minnows and small danios.
- Also kept with small tetras, livebearers and Caridina or Neocaridina shrimp.
Aquarium Behavior
- Spends most of its time grazing on rocks.
- Males are somewhat territorial. Use a bigger tank for several males or mixed species.
Breeding
- Courtship and spawning have been seen, but no one has raised fry in captivity.
- Larvae drift to the sea and return to fresh water as juveniles, which is very hard to replicate.