Rainbow Stiphodon Goby

Stiphodon ornatus

Rainbow Stiphodon Goby 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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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°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: 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 20–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Rainbow Stiphodon Goby 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 mature natural rock biofilm and aufwuchs with appropriate supplemental foods; territorial individuals and competing grazers may monopolize surfaces.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 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: Indonesia.

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) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Rainbow Stiphodon Goby get?

Rainbow Stiphodon Goby reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Rainbow Stiphodon Goby need?

Use an aquarium of at least 18 US gal (70 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is Rainbow Stiphodon Goby peaceful?

Yes. Rainbow Stiphodon 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 Rainbow Stiphodon Goby?

Keep it between 20 to 28 °C.

Should Rainbow Stiphodon Goby be kept alone or in a group?

Rainbow Stiphodon Goby: Keep as a harem of 3+.