Description

Red Lips Goby

📌 Basic Info

Common Names: Red Lips Goby, White Cheek Goby, Hong Kong Goby
Family: Gobiidae
Order: Gobiiformes
Origin: Streams and rivers of southern China and Hong Kong (now captive-bred for aquariums)
Size: 4 – 5 cm (1.5 – 2 inches)
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Bottom and lower-middle levels

🌊 Water Parameters

Temperature: 20 – 26°C (68 – 79°F)
pH: 6.5 – 7.8
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
TDS: 120 – 250 ppm

🐠 Characteristics

Body Shape: Small, torpedo-shaped body with a flat underside adapted for resting on surfaces.
Coloration: Pale grey or silver body with subtle blue iridescence and distinct red lips that give this species its name. Males often display more vivid red markings around the head and fins.
Fins: Transparent with slight red or orange hues on males.
Behavior: Peaceful, curious, and spends most time perched on rocks or substrate.
Special Feature: The bright red lips and bold face markings make this goby instantly recognizable and highly attractive in nano aquariums.

🍽️ Diet

Type: Carnivorous
Diet: Frozen or live foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and micro pellets.
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small portions.
Tip: Prefers moving foods — target feed using tongs or pipette near its resting area.

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (10 gallons) for a small group
Filtration: Clean, well-oxygenated water with gentle to moderate flow
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
Decor: Include rocks, driftwood, and hiding spots such as small caves or pipes
Lighting: Moderate lighting with shaded areas
Water Change: 25–30% weekly to maintain water clarity

👥 Social Behavior

Nature: Peaceful and bottom-oriented
Group Size: Best kept singly or in small groups (1 male with 2–3 females)
Tank Mates: Ideal with small peaceful species like rasboras, tetras, shrimps, or hillstream loaches
Avoid: Aggressive or territorial bottom dwellers and large fish
Breeding: Cave spawner; male guards eggs until hatching. Requires slightly cooler, clean, oxygen-rich water for success.

✅ Do’s
• Maintain strong aeration and steady flow
• Provide smooth rocks and caves for resting
• Offer live or frozen protein-rich foods

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid high temperatures above 28°C
• Don’t keep with aggressive or large fish
• Avoid stagnant or dirty water

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Red Lips Goby is a striking nano fish known for its vivid red mouth and peaceful nature. Perfect for planted or rock aquascapes, it thrives in clean, oxygen-rich setups and adds personality to the bottom zone of freshwater aquariums.