Belted rockclimbing goby

Sicyopus zosterophorus

Dark-fronted males develop a bright banded rear and need animal food.

Males can show orange, yellow or green posterior colour with dark bars; females are plainer. Dorsal colours vary among individuals.

Adult length: Up to 4.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 22–26 °C

Natural habitat: Adults inhabit rocky creeks, often steep streams relatively close to the sea.

Not an algae-control fish. Check feeding, oxygenation and a secure cover.

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Appearance and identification

Compare the red rear and bars with the blue-green sheen, extended dorsal and grazing behaviour of Stiphodon ornatus. Resting on rocks does not mean the same feeding needs.

Floor and movement space

Use stable stones, broken sightlines and accessible feeding areas. A 60×30cm base suits a pair or small group.

Aquarium environment

Hardy attached plants can add cover, with exposed stones and open flow paths. Dense planting does not replace oxygenation.

Diet and feeding

Offer suitably small live or frozen foods; confirm each fish feeds. Biofilm alone is inadequate.

Same-species behaviour

Territorial males need retreats and monitored food access. Adding more males does not solve aggression.

Compatibility limits

Small live invertebrates may be prey.

Sources

threatenedtaxa.org ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.aquariumglaser.de ↗ 2026-10-22

helloocean.nmmba.gov.tw ↗ 2026-10-22

zenodo.org ↗ 2026-10-22