The dragon goby is a unique and peaceful bottom-dwelling fish gaining popularity in the aquarium trade. Read on to learn how to properly care for these fascinating fish in a home tank environment.
Introducing the Dragon Goby
Dragon Goby General Info
- Origin: Streams in Thailand, Indonesia and other parts of tropical Asia
- Size: 4-5 inches in captivity
- Lifespan: 5-8 years with proper tank conditions
- Temperament: Peaceful bottom dwellers
- Appearance: Elongate, eel-like bodies. Large broad heads with sensory pits.
- Varieties: Violet, rainbow, banded, dragon
- Price: $8 – $15 per fish on average
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Shallow streams and rice paddies with sandy substrates
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon long
- Water Parameters: 75-82°F; pH 6.5-7.5; soft to moderately hard
- Tank Setup: Fine sandy substrate, rocks and driftwood, moderate current from filter outflow. Dim lighting.
Dragon Goby Diet and Feeding
- Diet: Omnivore; flake and pellet foods, frozen, live foods, plant matter
- Feeding: Feed daily, provide meaty frozen or live foods 2-3 times per week
Foods:
- Sinking carnivore pellets or cichlid pellets
- Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia
- Algae wafers or blanched vegetables
- High quality flake foods
- Occasional treats like blackworms
Breeding Dragon Gobies
- Challenging to breed in home aquariums, no distinct breeding behaviors
- If breeding occurs, eggs are laid in small caves or under rocks. No parental care.
- Fry are tiny and can be fed infusoria, then newly hatched brine shrimp once grown.
Common Health Issues
- Generally hardy if provided clean water, correct diet, good tankmates
- May be susceptible to fungal infections if stressed or injured
- Sensitive to poor water quality and aggressive tankmates
- Use quarantine, maintain excellent water quality, treat diseases promptly
Special Care and Compatibility
- Peaceful bottom dwellers suitable for community tanks
- Goes well with small tetras, rasboras, danios, dwarf cichlids, peaceful bottom fish
- Avoid housing with large aggressive species that may attack or injure them
- No special care requirements beyond a well maintained tank
Suitable Tank Mates
- Neon tetras
- Cherry barbs
- Corydoras catfish
- Otocinclus
- Dwarf cichlids like rams
- Other peaceful gobies
- Shrimp and snails
Identifying Male vs Female Dragon Gobies
- Females tend to be slightly larger in size, especially when carrying eggs
- Males may exhibit more intense coloration, especially during spawning periods
- Challenging to visually distinguish gender differences
Species Count:
At least 4, with the violet and rainbow being most common
Enhancing Colors:
Providing live and frozen foods helps bring out their best coloration.
Maximum Size:
4-5 inches in most home aquarium specimens.
Growth Rate:
Fairly slow growing, reaching max size after 1-2 years.
Lifespan:
Approximately 5-8 years in captivity with excellent care and water quality.
Care Tips:
Give fine sandy substrate, places to hide, peaceful tankmates, high-quality varied foods.
Best Foods:
Hikari carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, live blackworms.
Good Beginner Fish?
Yes, fairly hardy and easy to care for if basic needs are met.
Preventing Death:
Maintain pristine water parameters, treat illnesses promptly, give proper nutrition.
Aggression Level:
Very peaceful, not aggressive toward tankmates.
Will They Kill Other Fish?
No, dragon gobies are not predatory toward other fish or invertebrates. Safe for community tanks.
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