Bumblebee Goby (Gobiiformes sp.) in a freshwater aquarium
Varies carePeacefulMid dwellerAsia

Bumblebee Goby

Gobiiformes sp.

The Bumblebee Goby (Gobiiformes sp.) is a peaceful fish that's rewarding to keep. Give it a tank of at least 45 litres (12 US gallons), water held at 72-82°F, and a pH of 6.5-7.5.

Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size11.9 US gal
pH range6.5-7.5
Temperature72-82°F
Max size1.6 in (4.0 cm)
Captive lifespan3-7 years
SchoolingNo
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Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Asia

  • East & Southeast Asia

Regional colours match the stocking calculator's origin map.

Bumblebee Goby Tank Setup

A tank of at least 45 litres (12 US gallons) works well. Keep the water at 72-82°F with a pH around 6.5-7.5, and set up both cover and open swimming space where they spend most of their time (Mid).

What Do Bumblebee Gobies Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Bumblebee Goby Tank Mates

The Bumblebee Goby is peaceful, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. Good matches come down to the whole stocking list working together - temperature, tank size, and temperament - not any single label. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Bumblebee Gobies Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies by line and setup. Match the care level to how often you actually test and change water.

Bumblebee Goby - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Bumblebee Gobies need?

Bumblebee Gobies need a tank of at least 45 litres (12 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

What water parameters do Bumblebee Gobies need?

Keep them at 72-82°F with a pH of 6.5-7.5, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Bumblebee Gobies eat?

Bumblebee Gobies are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Bumblebee Gobies good for beginners?

It depends on the setup. Match Bumblebee Gobies to how often you actually test water and perform maintenance.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Fish to avoid mixing with Bumblebee Gobies

These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.

  • OscarPredator - Oscar will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Pea PufferPredator - Pea Puffer will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Betta (Male)Predator - Betta (Male) will eat or injure smaller tank mates