Blue Neon Goby
Stiphodon atropurpureus
Blue Neon Goby is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in)
- Aquarium size
- 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 2–12 dGH
- KH
- 1–8 dKH
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Because it uses the bottom area, leave enough open substrate area instead of crowding that part of the aquarium.
The listed lifespan is 3–5 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
An aquarium of 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length can be a reasonable starting point, but it should not be read as permission to overstock.
Water parameters
The temperature range for this fish is 22–26 °C. Compare it carefully with the aquarium target temperature instead of assuming every tropical community setup is suitable.
The pH range for this fish is 6.5–7.5. That points to slightly acidic to neutral water, but stability is more important than sudden corrections.
The GH range for this fish is 2–12 dGH. That gives some flexibility, but sudden changes are usually more stressful than a stable value that is slightly imperfect.
The KH range is 1–8 dKH. Use it as a general stability reference rather than a reason for aggressive adjustments.
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.
- Plant safe
- Yes
- Shrimp safe
- Yes
- Snail safe
- Yes
- Community safe
- Yes
- Aquascape fit
- Yes
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
Use a varied routine that suits a plant-leaning or algae-focused diet.
Because it feeds near the bottom, make sure food reaches the substrate and is not completely taken by faster fish in the open water.
The aquarium must produce natural diatoms, algae and biofilm. Supplement with spirulina, algae-based foods and very small invertebrate foods, but do not rely on wafers alone.
Breeding notes
Breeding difficulty is currently recorded as Not practical in standard freshwater aquariums, so breeding plans should be researched beyond the basic care profile.
The species reaches about 5 cm total length. Larvae naturally drift to marine or brackish water before juveniles migrate upstream, which makes home breeding exceptionally difficult. Wild collection can add pressure to local populations.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length.
- 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 that matches this species.
Important notes
- Requires a mature aquarium with established biofilm.
- Requires strong oxygenation and clean flowing water.
- Most trade fish are wild-caught.
- Ordinary algae wafers are not an adequate sole diet.
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 4–5 cm (1.6–2 in). Provide bottom space.
What aquarium size does Blue Neon Goby need?
Plan for an aquarium of 54 L or larger / ≥ 60 cm (≥ 23.6 in) minimum length. Open substrate matters for this bottom-dwelling 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 22 to 26 °C. Choose other fish with overlapping temperature needs and avoid sudden temperature swings.