Red Belted Goby - Sicyopus zosterophorus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Red Belted Goby (Sicyopus zosterophorus) is an outstanding addition to any aquarium due to its striking appearance, energetic disposition, and affable temperament. To ensure harmonious cohabitation with other tank mates, it is essential to select species of similar size and disposition while avoiding large, aggressive fish that may prey on or outcompete the Gobies for food. During breeding periods, the Red Belted Goby may exhibit slight territorial behaviour, but this should not prevent multiple individuals from coexisting peacefully alongside other stream-dwelling Gobies, provided there is ample space and food resources.
Maintaining Red Belted Gobies in optimal conditions requires adherence to specific prerequisites. Of paramount importance is the consistent maintenance of clean and well-oxygenated water. To achieve this, we recommend the utilization of an oversized filtration system, supplementary powerheads, flow pumps, or airstones.
In terms of substrate, options encompass gravel, sand, or a composite mixture. Enhancing this foundation involves incorporating a stratum of water-worn rocks and pebbles exhibiting a range of dimensions. It is advisable to include elevated stones with flattened upper surfaces for authenticity. While aged driftwood can be introduced, caution is warranted with new pieces, as they tend to release tannins that discolour the water and undermine the efficacy of artificial illumination. Given the natural habitat of these Gobies characterized by clear waters, maintaining water clarity is pivotal.
For enthusiasts contemplating the cohabitation of multiple male individuals or species, prudent arrangement of the rockwork is essential. This arrangement should provide ample concealed spaces and strategically disrupt lines of sight, thereby mitigating the potential for heightened aggression among the inhabitants. While aquatic plants are not integral to the natural habitat of this species, they can be incorporated; however, robust varieties are necessary for survival in the chosen environment.
It is worth noting that gobies possess a unique ability to climb aquarium glass and may occasionally leap out of the water, which emphasizes the need to keep them in covered aquariums to prevent accidental fatalities.
Sporting a lustrous black body with a bright reddish-orange posterior, the Red Belted Goby boasts a dark dorsal fin with white edging and a yellowish-hued second dorsal fin. Its remaining fins are transparent, while females exhibit a relatively colorless appearance. Moreover, these gobies exhibit distinctive colour patterns that vary depending on their geographic origin.
Red Belted Goby Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Red Belted Gobies is a relatively straightforward task. Males are characterized by elongated unpaired fins, particularly their first dorsal fin, which is significantly longer than that of the female. Furthermore, males display a more vivid colouration pattern, with the anterior portion of their body exhibiting a darker greyish-brown hue and the lower region displaying vibrant orange to red hues. On the other hand, female Red Belted Gobies lack the extended unpaired fins and first dorsal fin displayed by males and exhibit a relatively colourless appearance. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that some mature females may exhibit faint orange pigmentation in the anal fins and basal dorsal fin.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Sicyopus zosterophorus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1856 |
| Other Names | Flaming Arrow Goby, Belted Rock-climbing Goby, Ornate Goby |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Gobiiformes |
| Family | Oxudercidae |
| Genus | Sicyopus |
| Origins | Indonesia , Vanuatu , Papua New Guinea , Palau Island , Fiji , Philippines , Japan , Taiwan , China |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Carnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 10 |
| TDS | 36 - 215 |
| ℉ | 71 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Red Belted Goby, a native of the northern Balinese region of Boleling, Indonesia, is a globetrotter, having been found in a diverse range of locations. These include the Marquesas Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Fiji, the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan. More recently, this intrepid species has been spotted in Southeast Asia, specifically the southern mainland of China.
These little fish thrive in the clear and well-oxygenated short coastal streams of tropical, often volcanic islands. They favor habitats located upstream of cataracts or waterfalls, where the substrate typically comprises bedrock with a sprinkling of boulders and rocks. While stream-side vegetation and submerged leaf litter are common, aquatic plants are seldom found in their natural habitats.
Breeding
Despite several reports of mating behaviour and sporadic spawning, successful captive breeding of the Red Belted Goby in domestic aquariums remains elusive. This is largely attributed to their intricate amphidromous breeding strategy.
The species exhibits a distinct reproductive pattern whereby adults reside and breed in freshwater streams, and the pre-hatched larvae are carried downstream, where the post-larval fry undergoes the initial stages of development in a saline environment.
Upon reaching a certain level of maturity, the fry commence an upstream migration, which can involve extraordinary feats such as scaling waterfalls or other challenging obstacles. Given the complexities of this natural breeding strategy, captive breeding of the Red Belted Goby has thus far been unachievable.
Diet & Feeding
Similar to most fish species, the Red Belted Goby exhibits a willingness to consume small live or frozen food items such as artemia, daphnia, and bloodworm. However, this species generally does not partake in biofilm consumption and exhibits a complete lack of interest in dried foods.
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