Family: Gobiidae
Distribution: Brachygobius xanthozona, better known as the Bumble Bee Goby, is a species distributed mostly in the estuaries of Asia, including parts of Western Indonesia, India, Thailand and South Vietnam.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 24°C – 30°C (74 – 86F)
Hardness: 12 – 18 dH
Description: Brachygobius xanthozona will reach a maximum of 5 cm in length and can be expected to live for only 2 – 3 years. This species has an elongated, round body, with a base colour of honey-yellow. It has a series of black vertical bands across its body – one over its head region, two covering the body and the last band starting at its tail. As it ages, the black becomes less intense and the yellow becomes more obvious.
Diet: The Bumble Bee Goby, like Brachygobius nunus, can be a fussy eater and has a distinct preference for live foods, particularly brine shrimp and bloodworms You may consider offering it flake or other dried or frozen foods – whiteworms and beef hearts are both excellent options.
Breeding: When ready to breed, males will lose their distinctive black stripes and display a more intense yellow colouration. Females’ bellies will turn very rounded when carrying eggs. The male will choose a cave and lure the female into it, and the male will fertilise the eggs which the female has deposited in the cave. You should add some freshwater to your tank to simulate the rainy season: the period in which this species spawns in the wild. Males will guard the eggs until hatching, but remove both parents just before hatching to prevent them eating their young. The fry can be fed infusoria until they grown large enough to eat freshly hatched brine shrimp.
Comments: The Bumble Bee Goby, like the Golden Banded Goby, requires brackish water conditions and, as such, may not be the best option for newcomers to the hobby. They can be quite territorial and will require plenty of hiding spots in the form of upturned pot plants. Keep this species in a tank of at least 20 gallons in volume.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Brachygobius xanthozona will live happily with most Tetra species (particularly the Neon Tetra and Black Tetra). They are also great tank mates with Discus, Apistogramma‘s like Apistogramma Cacatouides and Apistogramma Borelli, Corydoras Catfish (particularly Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras aeneus) Angelfish, Clown loach, the common Guppy and Platy and most Gourami (such as the Blue Gouramiand Dwarf Gourami like the Honey Gourami) Also can live happily with most Danio (particularly the Zebra Danio and Pearl Danio) and also many Killifish make great tank mates.
Originally posted 2010-01-05 11:39:58. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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