Bumblebee Goby - Brachygobius xanthomelas

Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthomelas) is a strikingly patterned nano fish with bold black and yellow bands that resemble a bumblebee. Known for their unique appearance and bottom-dwelling habits, they are best suited for a peaceful, species-specific or carefully selected community setup.

Description:

Common Name: Bumblebee Goby

Scientific Name: Brachygobius xanthomelas

Family: Gobiidae

Size: 1–1.5 inches

Temperament: Peaceful, territorial toward own kind

Difficulty: Moderate

Native Region:

Southeast Asia (slow-moving and brackish waters)

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons

Temperature: 74–82°F

pH: 6.5–7.5

Hardness: Moderate

Decor: Sand or fine gravel substrate, plenty of caves, driftwood, and plants

Additional Tips:

• Water Type: Prefer slightly brackish water (add small amount of marine salt), though some adapt to freshwater

• Tankmates: Best with small, peaceful fish that tolerate similar conditions

• Diet: Carnivorous – requires live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms

• Behavior: Bottom-oriented and slow-moving; may show territorial behavior to conspecifics in small spaces