Golden-red Stiphodon

Stiphodon rutilaureus

Golden-red Stiphodon is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep as a harem of 3+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep as a harem of 3+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Golden-red Stiphodon?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 2–12 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep as a harem of 3+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Golden-red Stiphodon is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Provide established biofilm and algae-covered rocks. Supplement grazing foods; do not treat this species as an algae-cleaning accessory.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep as a harem of 3+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Papua New Guinea Vanuatu.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Annie’s Goby Stiphodon annieae Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Aureofuscus Goby Stiphodon aureofuscus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bird Song Goby Stiphodon surrufus Same genus Same family Similar care level Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blue Neon Goby Stiphodon atropurpureus Same genus Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bar Cheek Goby Rhinogobius giurinus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Golden-red Stiphodon get?

Golden-red Stiphodon reaches ≤ 1.8" (≤ 4.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Golden-red Stiphodon need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Golden-red Stiphodon peaceful?

Yes. Golden-red Stiphodon 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 Golden-red Stiphodon?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.

Should Golden-red Stiphodon be kept alone or in a group?

Golden-red Stiphodon: Keep as a harem of 3+.