Stiphodon atropurpureus

Sexing

 * Males are much more colourful.

Tank Compatibility

 * Like other gobies, the Freshwater Neon Goby can become territorial and will try to defend its home territory. This fish does not get very large and should not be kept with large fish.

Diet

 * These Gobies are aufwuchs and algae grazers, they need to be in a mature tank with a lot of algae growth. They will, however, only eat certain types of algae, mostly short tufty types of algae, not stringy or filamentous algae. They should also accept algae wafers and dried marine seaweed. They may also accept some soft blanched veges like peas. They should not be fed meaty foods as their digestive system is not designed for high protein.

Feeding Regime

 * Supplement once or twice a day depending on algae growth present.

Environment Specifics

 * The Freshwater Neon Goby is actually native to brackish water environments like bays, estuaries and mangrove swamps. Enjoys flowing water.

Behaviour

 * Tends to be skittish. Often it will bury itself in the substrate, with only its head protruding.

Breeding

 * Breeds in freshwater, though eggs and fry need brackish water to survive. The adults spawn in freshwater, the eggs are swept out to sea, hatch, feed on plankton, settle and then move back upriver.

Identification

 * It is a small, elongated fish with a darker horizontal stripe down its body, parallel to a stripe of blue iridescent colouration, most obvious across the snout.