Red Lipstick Goby

Sicyopus exallisquamulus

Red Lipstick Goby is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 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

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. Choose an aquarium that meets the listed minimum requirements.

Water parameters

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

Temperament and compatibility

Red Lipstick 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

Offer small live/frozen invertebrates; do not rely on algae or dried food.

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.
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.

Blue Neon Goby Stiphodon atropurpureus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bereme Creek Goby Sicyopus beremeensis Same genus Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Axelrods Corydoras Hoplisoma axelrodi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bandit Corydoras Hoplisoma metae Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black-Bellied Limia Limia melanogaster Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Lipstick Goby get?

Red Lipstick Goby reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Red Lipstick Goby need?

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

Is Red Lipstick Goby peaceful?

Yes. Red Lipstick Goby is generally peaceful. Choose calm companions that won’t harass it or crowd it out at feeding time.

What temperature is suitable for Red Lipstick Goby?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.