Javan Red Lipstick Goby

Sicyopus rubicundus

Javan Red Lipstick Goby is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerIntermediate

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Need help with Javan Red Lipstick Goby?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm)
Aquarium size: 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 2–20 dGH
KH: 4–8 dKH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 3 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 3 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 2–20 dGH, KH 4–8 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Javan Red Lipstick Goby is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Feed small live or frozen animal foods, not an algae-only diet. Small fish and shrimp up to about 1 cm can be prey. Adult care and marine larval development are different conditions.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Indonesia.

Similar fish profiles

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

Bereme Creek Goby Sicyopus beremeensis Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Annie’s Goby Stiphodon annieae Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Aureofuscus Goby Stiphodon aureofuscus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.8 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) Bird Song Goby Stiphodon surrufus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Armoured Stickleback Indostomus paradoxus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Javan Red Lipstick Goby get?

Javan Red Lipstick Goby reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm).

What aquarium size does Javan Red Lipstick Goby need?

Use an aquarium of at least 30 US gal (114 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Javan Red Lipstick Goby peaceful?

Yes. Javan Red Lipstick 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 Javan Red Lipstick Goby?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.