White-cheeked goby

Rhinogobius duospilus

Pale cheeks and two pectoral-base marks on a small stream-bottom goby.

A broad-headed goby with high-set eyes, dark flank markings and two conspicuous marks at the pectoral base. Display colours vary. The illustration was checked against a male documented from Shenzhen in a genome study.

Adult length: About 2.9 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 15–25 °C
pH: 6–7.5

Do not identify this fish from an old “wui” label alone. Prepare clean, well-oxygenated water and separated bottom cover; small shrimp are at risk.

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Appearance and identification

A stream-bottom fish of Hong Kong and southern China, with fused pelvic fins forming a disc. Compare its darker pattern with the red-white male fins of R. zhoui. Historical trade literature treated R. wui as a synonym; the current catalogue recognises it separately. Old labels and images are not interchangeable.

Floor and movement space

Use rocks, sand and crevices with water movement. A published 60 × 30 cm base for a small group is conditional, not a universal stocking allowance.

Aquarium environment

Hardy attached plants may add cover while retaining open resting areas and flow. Shrimp safety and plant damage are not quantified.

Diet and feeding

Offer varied, appropriately sized small frozen or live invertebrates. Verify prepared-food acceptance. It is not an algae-control tool.

Same-species behaviour

Males display and hold positions. Provide retreats and check feeding access; social activity does not imply persistent schooling.

Compatibility limits

Shrimp may be eaten. Avoid casually mixing similar Rhinogobius species; water-range overlap is not compatibility evidence.

Sources

doi.org ↗ 2026-10-22

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

researcharchive.calacademy.org ↗ 2026-10-22