Description

Flaming Arrow Goby

📌 Basic Info

Common Names: Flaming Arrow Goby, Red Belted Goby, Belted Rock Climbing Goby, Ornate Goby
Family: Gobiidae
Order: Gobiiformes
Origin: Found in clear, fast-flowing freshwater streams and rivers across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.
Size: 5 – 7 cm (2 – 2.8 inches)
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Bottom and mid-lower levels

🌊 Water Parameters

Temperature: 23 – 28°C (73 – 82°F)
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH
TDS: 120 – 250 ppm

🐠 Characteristics

Body Shape: Streamlined body with a flat underside, adapted for clinging to rocks and maneuvering in strong currents.
Coloration: Striking silvery to light beige body with a bold red to orange “belt” running vertically along the midsection, giving a fiery arrow-like appearance. Males display more intense coloration, especially during breeding.
Fins: Clear to pale with hints of red and blue; dorsal and caudal fins may develop iridescent highlights.
Behavior: Active, alert, and often seen perched on rocks or resting near the bottom. Enjoys exploring flowing water areas.
Special Feature: The vivid red stripe and arrow-like body give this goby its name — a true standout among small stream fish.

🍽️ Diet

Type: Carnivorous
Diet: Live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, mosquito larvae, daphnia, and finely chopped tubifex.
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small portions.
Tip: Prefers moving foods; target-feed near its resting areas to ensure proper feeding.

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

Tank Size: Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons) for one or a small group
Filtration: Moderate to strong water flow with excellent oxygenation
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel — natural stream-like setup preferred
Decor: Use rounded stones, driftwood, and caves for shelter and perching; encourage algae and biofilm growth on surfaces
Lighting: Moderate lighting with shaded zones
Water Change: 25–30% weekly; requires stable, clean, oxygen-rich water

👥 Social Behavior

Nature: Peaceful but may be mildly territorial with its own kind
Group Size: Best kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups with plenty of space
Tank Mates: Peaceful fish such as rasboras, ricefish, small rainbowfish, or hillstream loaches
Avoid: Large or aggressive species that may outcompete or intimidate them
Breeding: Cave or rock spawner; male guards eggs until hatching. Fry likely need brackish water for successful development.

✅ Do’s
• Maintain strong aeration and clean, well-flowing water
• Provide rocks and caves for shelter
• Offer a high-protein diet with live or frozen foods

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid overcrowding or keeping multiple males in small tanks
• Don’t expose to high temperatures above 29°C
• Avoid dirty or stagnant water conditions

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Flaming Arrow Goby is a vibrant, rare freshwater species prized for its bold red “belt” and sleek, arrow-like body. Best suited for aquascapes with clear, oxygen-rich water and smooth rocks, it brings a touch of exotic beauty and movement to any well-maintained aquarium.