Lizard Goby - Rhinogobius flumineus Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
While some Lizard Gobies (Rhinogobius flumineus) may exhibit a more modest appearance, their captivating behaviour and manageable size make them suitable for smaller aquariums. However, it is crucial to consider the territorial nature of the males and avoid overcrowding them. Maintaining a ratio of several females for each male in the aquarium is recommended unless the tank is larger in size and provides an abundance of hiding places.
Lizard Gobies generally thrive in a species-specific aquarium, although they can coexist harmoniously with mid or surface-dwelling species such as Rainbowfish and small to medium-sized Barbs.
Creating optimal conditions for Lizard Gobies is not overly demanding. The aquarium should be designed to mimic a flowing stream, featuring a substrate of sand or fine gravel and incorporating smooth rocks.
Additionally, adding driftwood and strategically positioned plant pots can create a network of hiding places and shaded areas, effectively providing breaks in the line of sight. While many aquatic plants may struggle to thrive under these conditions, hardy varieties can be grown by attaching them to the decor.
Lizard Gobies are sensitive to the accumulation of organic waste and necessitate pristine water conditions to flourish. Regular weekly water changes, ranging from 30 to 50%, should be considered a routine maintenance practice.
While it is unnecessary to simulate torrent-like conditions, ensuring a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and incorporating gentle water movement is beneficial. This can be achieved by using additional powerheads, power filters, or airstones as deemed necessary.
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Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Lizard Gobies is a relatively straightforward task. Males exhibit distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from their female counterparts. These include larger mouths, longer snouts, more vibrant fins, and extended dorsal fins compared to females.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Rhinogobius flumineus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1960 |
| Other Names | kawa-yoshinobori |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Gobiiformes |
| Family | Oxudercidae |
| Genus | Rhinogobius |
| Origins | Japan |
| Approx Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | 1 Male + Several Females |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| TDS | 36 - 268 |
| ℉ | 50 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 10 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
Lizard Gobies are native to Japan, specifically inhabiting riffles, swiftly-flowing mountain streams, small rivers, and other aquatic environments characterized by gravel, rocks, and exposed bedrock substrates. These habitats undergo seasonal variations in water flow rate, depth, and turbidity, contributing to the natural dynamics of their ecosystem. The distribution of the Lizard Gobies encompasses a range extending from Shizuoka Prefecture and Toyama Prefecture in Honshu, the largest island of Japan, to the westernmost tip of Honshu, as well as the Shikoku and Kyushu islands.
Breeding
Breeding Lizard Gobies can be relatively straightforward, particularly when maintaining a predominantly female group. Excessive male presence can lead to heightened competition, inhibiting successful spawning. To promote spawning behaviour, providing abundant feeding and gradually lowering the water temperature by approximately 3 or 4 degrees is advisable.
The male assumes the responsibility of creating a burrow in the substrate beneath a rock, utilizing fin-flapping movements to attract the female's attention. The female subsequently deposits eggs, which adhere to the underside of the stone. Once the eggs are laid, the male assumes sole guardianship, driving the female away from the nesting site.
After approximately ten days, the eggs will hatch. To safeguard the offspring from potential predation by other fish, transferring the eggs to a separate tank before hatching is recommended.
Following hatching, it is advisable to raise the water temperature back to its original level. Additionally, providing the young with baby brine shrimp as soon as they have absorbed their yolk sacs will contribute to their nutritional needs and development.
Diet & Feeding
Lizard Gobies exhibit an opportunistic omnivorous diet, primarily preying on various small invertebrates, crustaceans, and similar organisms in their natural habitat. When kept in captivity, providing these fish with a diet that comprises small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, Mysis, and daphnia is recommended. Following a period of acclimatization, the introduction of dried foods as supplementary nutrition is suitable. However, it is important to note that dried food should not constitute the sole or primary component of their diet.
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Published: 28 Jun 2023
Last Updated: 28 Jun 2023