Blue Neon Goby
Stiphodon atropurpureus
Blue Neon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus) is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that suits calm freshwater aquariums. It uses the bottom area, so stocking should leave room in that area.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- up to 5 cm
- Aquarium size
- 45 L or larger
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
- pH
- 5.5–7
- GH
- 4–10 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 5 years
- Group behavior
- No; 2 Females per Male
Overview
Blue Neon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus) is a bottom-dwelling fish for aquariums where the layout leaves enough open substrate area and the water stays stable.
Use these values as planning checks, then make sure the aquarium still has room for behavior, group needs, and calm community fish.
Care requirements
With a Beginner – Intermediate care level, Blue Neon Goby is approachable, but it still needs stable water, clean substrate, and a well-planned stocking group.
Because it uses the bottom area, leave enough open substrate area instead of crowding that part of the aquarium.
With a lifespan of up to 5 years, this is a fish to plan for long term rather than an impulse addition.
Aquarium size and space needs
An aquarium of 45 L or larger can be a reasonable starting point, but it should not be read as permission to overstock.
At up to 5 cm, Blue Neon Goby stays small, but it still needs room to move, feed, and avoid constant competition.
Uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Water parameters
The temperature range for this fish is 20 to 27 °C, which fits many tropical freshwater aquariums. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
The pH range for this fish is 5.5 to 7. That points to acidic to neutral water, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.
The GH range for this fish is 4 to 10 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.
Temperament and compatibility
As a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish, Blue Neon Goby is best kept with calm species that will not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
Because this fish uses the bottom area, compatibility is easier when other fish are not all competing for the same swimming space.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Blue Neon Goby should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Because it feeds near the bottom, make sure food reaches the substrate and is not completely taken by faster fish in the open water.
Before adding this fish
Use this checklist before treating the profile as a match for an existing aquarium.
- Plan for an aquarium of 45 L or larger.
- Make sure the bottom area has enough open substrate for a group.
- Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs.
- Keep pH stable within the listed range instead of making sudden corrections.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Blue Neon Goby get?
Blue Neon Goby reaches up to 5 cm according to this profile. It stays relatively small, but aquarium planning should still account for bottom space.
What aquarium size does Blue Neon Goby need?
Plan for an aquarium of 45 L or larger. Treat this as a baseline, because bottom-dwelling fish also needs open substrate area and compatible fish.
Is Blue Neon Goby peaceful?
Yes. Blue Neon Goby is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Blue Neon Goby?
The temperature range for this fish is 20 to 27 °C. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs and avoid sudden temperature swings.