Javan Red Lipstick Goby - Sicyopus rubicundus Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Javan Red Lipstick Goby (Sicyopus rubicundus) is a visually striking species that has quickly become one of the more fascinating residents in our fish room. Over the past year, while keeping these little fish, we have been treated to some interesting personality traits that are as captivating as they are surprising and somewhat shocking. A fascinating aspect of this species is how their unique colouration, with subordinate males typically displaying more muted hues than the dominant male's vibrant colours, reflects their social hierarchy. This striking feature is perhaps a strategy to avoid provoking aggression from the dominant male.
The Javan Red Lipstick Goby requires a carefully designed aquarium that closely mimics its natural fast-flowing stream habitat. A minimum tank size of around 75 litres (20 gallons) is recommended for a small group, with a strong current generated by powerheads or a river manifold system to simulate the high-oxygen, swift waters they inhabit in the wild. The substrate should consist of smooth sand or fine gravel, complemented by an arrangement of rounded rocks, cobbles, and crevices to create territorial boundaries and natural perching areas. Live plants are optional but are generally sparse in their native environment. Water quality must be pristine, with stable parameters maintained. Filtration should be robust, ensuring both clarity and aeration.
Despite some early challenges with feeding the Javan Lipstick Gobies, our overall experience keeping these fascinating little fish has been thoroughly enjoyable. If you are considering adding some Gobies to your aquarium but are already keeping Cherry Shrimp or livebearers like Guppies and Endlers you intend to breed, just be aware that these Gobies won't be the best fit unless, of course, you are looking for some population control. As long as you are aware of the predatory nature of these fish and the possible difficulty when transitioning them to non-live foods, you won't be disappointed in choosing the Javan Lipstick Goby.
Availability
The Javan Red Lipstick Goby isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Once mature, sexing Javan Lipstick Gobies is a breeze. The males proudly sport their signature orangey-red lips, a trait that extends in matching hues along half their bodies toward the caudal fin. In contrast, females are noticeably more... how can I put this....I don't want to use the word drab, so to be politically correct, let's say "subdued in colour".
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Sicyopus rubicundus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2014 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Gobiiformes |
| Family | Oxudercidae |
| Genus | Sicyopus |
| Origins | Indonesia |
| Approx Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | NA |
| Best kept as | 2 Females per Male |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 20 |
| KH | 0 - 8 |
| TDS | 100 - 250 |
| ℉ | 72 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
The Javan Red Lipstick Goby is a freshwater species native to the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali. Confirmed populations inhabit short, high-gradient coastal streams that flow directly into the sea. These habitats are characterised by fast-flowing, crystal-clear water, rocky or boulder-strewn substrates, and minimal aquatic vegetation, which are ideal conditions for Gobies that rely on substrate-clinging behaviour and rapid current adaptation. Typically, these streams are located in volcanic regions and are fed by rainfall or mountain runoff, which maintains high oxygen levels and cool temperatures year-round. These Gobies are often found in the upper reaches of these streams, sometimes above waterfalls or cataracts, where few predators or competitors exist.
Breeding
The Javan Red Lipstick Goby follows an amphidromous breeding cycle. In this cycle, adults inhabit and spawn in freshwater streams, typically in high-gradient, fast-flowing environments. After fertilisation, the adhesive eggs are laid on submerged rocks and guarded briefly. Once hatched, the larvae are carried downstream by the strong current into the ocean, developing in a planktonic phase in marine waters. After several weeks of growth at sea, the juveniles undergo metamorphosis and instinctively migrate back into freshwater streams, often overcoming steep terrain and waterfalls. This complex lifecycle makes S. rubicundus extremely challenging to breed in captivity, as it requires access to freshwater and marine environments at different life stages. Currently, there are no confirmed reports of successful captive breeding of S. rubicundus, mainly due to the difficulty in replicating the natural drift to sea and return migration in aquarium conditions.
Diet & Feeding
When we first introduced 20 Javan Red Lipstick Gobies into an aquarium with Cherry Shrimp and Endlers, we began to notice something peculiar after a few weeks. The once-abundant Shrimp and Endler fry had almost completely vanished. It didn't take long to discover these micro-predators were on a mission. We would often catch a glimpse of one skillfully chasing down anything that could fit into their mouths. On more than one occasion, we found these Gobies gobbling down fully grown Cherry Shrimp.
As the Shrimp and fry populations disappeared, the gobies were left in a predicament as they weren't interested in any dry or frozen food and even turned their noses up to our microworm culture. Sadly, we lost almost half of our original group. Once the remaining Gobies had become accustomed to flakes, granules and frozen foods, the shrimp population rebounded somewhat, though we never saw another Endler fry until the Gobies were moved to one of our other aquariums.
Videos
Other Gobies
Published: 14 Apr 2025
Last Updated: 14 Apr 2025