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Freshwater bumblebee goby left-facing adult AI illustration, sex unspecified

Freshwater bumblebee goby

Brachygobius xanthomelas

Pale ground and black bands; the front base of the first dorsal is unpigmented.

A tiny banded goby with irregular dark markings and a mostly clear tail. The unpigmented front base of the first dorsal matters more than a generic yellow-black appearance.

Adult length
Up to 2 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature
22–28 °C
Lifespan
About 3 years
Natural habitat
Inhabits lowland freshwater swamps, streams, tributaries and peat swamp forest, often among vegetation, fallen leaves and roots.
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Appearance and identification

Bumblebee trade names are often confused. Dorsal-base pigment and bands behind the anal fin are useful clues. Compared with Micropercops swinhonis, it is smaller, more strongly banded and has a pelvic disc rather than separate pelvic fins.

Floor and movement space

Provide small shelters, fine substrate and broken sightlines with gentle movement.

Aquarium environment

Fine plants and root-like cover can help.

Diet and feeding

Prepare tiny live foods; some fish may accept frozen alternatives while ignoring dry food. Check each individual actually feeds.

Same-species behaviour

Watch territorial pursuit and food access. Adding more fish does not automatically resolve aggression in limited space.

Compatibility limits

Small size and feeding competition favour a dedicated setup.

Sources

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

doi.org ↗ 2026-10-22

PeekFish · Ornamental fish

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