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Cobalt blue goby adult male in left-facing side view; AI-generated illustration

Cobalt blue goby

Stiphodon semoni

A blue-green lateral stripe and nearly clear rounded dorsals in males.

Males have reflective blue-green sides and rounded, pale dorsal fins; pectoral rays lack the distinct dots of S. ornatus. A pale patch may show behind the pectoral base. Females have darker, serrated lateral stripes.

Adult length
Up to 5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Natural habitat
Inhabits clear streams with moderate to swift flow over rocks and boulders, often in coastal hills and rainforest.

Check for emaciation and prepare mature feeding surfaces. Close climbing escape routes.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

Compared with S. ornatus, the male dorsal is rounded, pectorals unspotted and the shoulder patch pale. S. atropurpureus is harder to distinguish; locality and scale evidence matter.

Floor and movement space

Use rounded flowing-water surfaces, sand, gravel and crevices. Allow 60 × 30 cm for a pair or small group, with more space for mixed species.

Aquarium environment

Leave grazing surfaces lit and water well oxygenated. A shaded, still, algae-free display may not meet its needs.

Diet and feeding

Monitor grazing and body condition. If surfaces are depleted, rotate stones with established growth. Check that it accepts prepared food.

Same-species behaviour

Females may aggregate loosely while males compete. Distribute food surfaces and watch weaker fish.

Compatibility limits

Aggressive feeders and territorial bottom fish can exclude it.

Sources

lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg ↗ 2026-10-22

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

PeekFish · Ornamental fish

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