Whitecheek Goby

Rhinogobius duospilus

Whitecheek Goby is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish. Keep in a loose group of 4+.

PeacefulBottom dwellerKeep in a loose group of 4+Beginner – Intermediate

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.2 cm)
Aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 59–77°F (15–25°C)
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–18 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 4+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 15–25 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–18 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Whitecheek Goby is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Shrimp safe: No

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/frozen invertebrates; dry foods are unreliable; avoid crustacean tankmates.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 4+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: China, Vietnam.

Similar fish profiles

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

Bar Cheek Goby Rhinogobius giurinus Same genus Same family Similar care level Intermediate ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°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) 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) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Whitecheek Goby get?

Whitecheek Goby reaches ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.2 cm).

What aquarium size does Whitecheek Goby need?

Use an aquarium of at least 14 US gal (54 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Whitecheek Goby peaceful?

Yes. Whitecheek 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 Whitecheek Goby?

Keep it between 15 to 25 °C.

Should Whitecheek Goby be kept alone or in a group?

Whitecheek Goby: Keep in a loose group of 4+.