Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Bumblebee Goby
Brachygobius doriae
Also called Golden-banded goby, Bumble bee goby, Gobius doriae (older name), Hypogymnogobius doriae (older name)
From Western Borneo and the Natuna Islands: Sarawak (Malaysia), Brunei and West Kalimantan (Indonesia), in fresh and brackish lowland waters123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Small scaled goby
A tiny, stocky goby with a rounded head and bold alternating bands of black and golden yellow, just like a bumblebee. Males can show reddish tones when breeding, and females look rounder when carrying eggs.13
Personality what they are like
A lively little bottom dweller with plenty of character. Males claim small territories and spar with each other, which is part of their charm when kept in a group.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A bottom dweller that spends its time around rocks, wood and caves rather than in open water, and appreciates gentle water flow.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Seriously Fish gives 22 to 28 C, pH 7.0 to 8.5 and 8 to 20 dGH; FishBase lists 22 to 29 C, pH around 8.0 and 9 to 19 dH. It tolerates light brackish water (about 2 g of marine salt per litre). Gentle filtration, such as an air-driven sponge filter, suits it best.12
Home where they are happiest
Seriously Fish suggests a tank with a base of at least 45 x 30 cm (around 41 litres), ideally set up just for this species, with lots of rocks, caves and wood to create territories.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A micro-predator. Small live foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia are the staple, and many fish learn to take frozen alternatives.1
Company who they like around
Best kept in a group of six or more so that sparring between males is spread out, ideally in a species tank.1
The story where it all began
Albert Günther described the bumblebee goby in 1868. It is named after the Italian zoologist Giacomo Doria, who collected fish in Borneo and sent the type specimen to the Natural History Museum in London. In the aquarium trade it is often mixed up with close relatives such as Brachygobius xanthozonus and B. nunus.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its species name honours Giacomo Doria, who collected the very first specimen on an expedition to Borneo.3
- 2
It lays 100 to 200 eggs in a small cave, and the eggs hatch in about a week.1
- 3
Bumblebee gobies sold in shops are frequently a mix of similar-looking species that can only be told apart by scale counts and fin pigment.1
- 4
FishBase notes that the parents spawn inside cave-like spaces and look after the eggs.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2018)2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bumblebee Goby. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkBrackish fish need a little marine salt, and some need more as they growevery week
- Water changeAbout 25% of the water, mixed to the same salinityevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Bumblebee Goby?
Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer small amounts once or twice a day. This little micro-predator thrives on frequent, tiny meals. Adjust based on how eagerly it eats, and always check with your vet for any changes. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Bumblebee Goby eat, and what should it never eat?
It is a micro-predator that loves small live foods like brine shrimp and daphnia, and many will take frozen alternatives. What it should never eat isn't specified, so ask your exotic-pet vet about safe foods and anything to avoid.1
How much space does a Bumblebee Goby need?
A tank with a base of at least 45 x 30 cm (around 41 litres) is recommended, ideally set up just for this species. This gives them room to create territories with rocks, caves and wood.1
What temperature, light or water does a Bumblebee Goby need?
Keep water between 22 and 28°C, pH 7.0 to 8.5, and hardness 8 to 20 dGH. It tolerates light brackish water (about 2 g marine salt per litre). Gentle filtration, like an air-driven sponge filter, suits it best. Light needs aren't specified, so observe your fish and adjust accordingly.12
How often should I clean a Bumblebee Goby's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a 25% water change every week, mixed to the same salinity, plus a weekly water test. Rinse the filter in old tank water once a month. This keeps the water fresh and stable. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Bumblebee Goby live with others?
Yes, it is best kept in a group of six or more so that sparring between males is spread out, ideally in a species tank. They are lively bottom dwellers with plenty of character.1
How long does a Bumblebee Goby live?
Lifespan isn't given in the sources, so it varies. Ask a good breeder or your exotic-pet vet for typical longevity in your setup.
Can I handle a Bumblebee Goby?
Handling is not recommended for this delicate fish. It is best to observe it in its tank and avoid any physical contact to keep it stress-free and healthy.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Silver MoonyWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Seriously Fish: Brachygobius doriae seriouslyfish.comused for distribution, size, water parameters, tank, diet, behaviour, breeding, identification
- FishBase: Brachygobius doriae fishbase.seused for size, environment, water parameters, IUCN status, breeding
- Wikipedia: Brachygobius doriae en.wikipedia.orgused for describer, etymology, size
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.