Zhou’s Scarlet Goby

Rhinogobius zhoui

Zhou’s Scarlet Goby is a bottom-to-middle swimmer. Keep in a loose group of 4+.

Males territorial with each other; compatible with some small peaceful upper-water fish if habitat needs match.Bottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 4+Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Zhou’s Scarlet Goby?

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

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.6 cm)
Aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Males territorial with each other; compatible with some small peaceful upper-water fish if habitat needs match.
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 66–75°F (19–24°C)
pH: 7–7.8
GH: 5–12 dGH
Diet: Carnivorous/invertivore-leaning
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 4+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 19–24 °C, pH 7–7.8, GH 5–12 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Zhou’s Scarlet Goby needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

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

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

Offer predominantly small live/frozen invertebrate foods such as bloodworms, Artemia or insect larvae; dry foods should not dominate.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Keep in a loose group of 4+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: China.

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 Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 64–75°F (18–24°C) Aureofuscus Goby Stiphodon aureofuscus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.1" (≤ 2.8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bird Song Goby Stiphodon surrufus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Bleeding Heart Tetra Hyphessobrycon erythrostigma Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6.1 cm) 70–82°F (21–28°C) Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Zhou’s Scarlet Goby get?

Zhou’s Scarlet Goby reaches ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.6 cm).

What aquarium size does Zhou’s Scarlet Goby need?

Use an aquarium of at least 26 US gal (100 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Zhou’s Scarlet Goby peaceful?

Zhou’s Scarlet Goby needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Zhou’s Scarlet Goby?

Keep it between 19 to 24 °C.

Should Zhou’s Scarlet Goby be kept alone or in a group?

Zhou’s Scarlet Goby: Keep in a loose group of 4+.