Stiphodon aureofuscus (“Golden Black Goby”)

IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated (NE). Important note: These wild-caught fish have specialized feeding and oxygen requirements. Stiphodon aureofuscus (“Golden Black Goby”) Native to rocky streams in Java, Bali, and Lombok, this tiny freshwater goby brings striking color and fascinating grazing behavior to a river-style aquarium. Males display golden highlights over a dark body with red-orange dorsal fins, while females are paler with a dark horizontal stripe. Size: Recorded to approximately 2.8 cm (≈ 1.1″), excluding the tail. Water parameters: Suggested pH 6.5–7.5 GH 3–10 °dGH Clean, stable water with low nitrate. Provide strong filtration, surface agitation, and smooth, algae-covered rocks. An established aquarium with abundant grazing surfaces is essential. Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F). Maintain strong oxygenation, especially at warmer temperatures. Food: Primarily algae, diatoms, and biofilm. Supplement with spirulina-based sinking foods or algae gel spread over rocks. Prepared foods may not be accepted immediately, so monitor feeding and body condition carefully. Tankmates: Generally peaceful with small, compatible fish and shrimp. Males may defend territories, so provide separate grazing areas and hiding places. Avoid aggressive fish and excessive competition from other algae grazers. Breeding: Presumed amphidromous, with larvae expected to develop at sea before juveniles return to freshwater. Routine aquarium breeding is not established. Important note: Introduce only to a mature, well-oxygenated aquarium. Keep natural grazing surfaces available, avoid cleaning every algae-covered rock at once, and maintain stable water conditions.