Golden banded goby - Brachygobius nunus
Scientific name: Brachygobius nunus
Common name: Golden banded goby
Family: Gobiidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.5
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 24°N (178.57 - 428.57ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 30 °C (75.2 - 86°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South Asia
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and Feeding
Golden Banded Gobies thrive on a varied diet that mimics their natural feeding habits. While they may accept flake foods, these should not be their primary diet. Instead, focus on providing live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and white worms. These protein-rich foods not only support their vibrant coloration but also ensure optimal health. Feed them small portions twice a day and monitor to avoid overfeeding, as excess food can quickly foul their brackish water environment.
Origin
Native to Asia, Golden Banded Gobies inhabit the brackish water swamps and stream estuaries of India, Thailand, Indonesia, Borneo, and Malaysia. These regions are characterized by fluctuating salinity levels and soft, sandy substrates interspersed with rocks and vegetation. Their natural habitat often includes tidal zones, making them well-adapted to brackish conditions in captivity.
Sexing
Distinguishing between males and females can be challenging outside of the breeding season. During spawning, males display a striking transformation, losing their dark bands and taking on a bright yellow body color. This visual change is the most reliable indicator of sex.
Breeding
Golden Banded Gobies are best bred in a dedicated tank with brackish water. A salt mix of 2 teaspoons per gallon replicates their natural habitat. Provide plenty of hiding spots using caves, plant pots, or driftwood, as these serve as ideal spawning sites. The male will court the female into the chosen spawning site, where she deposits her eggs on the roof and walls. The male then guards the nest until the eggs hatch, typically within 3-4 days. Once the fry are free swimming, feed them vinegar eels or other small live foods. As they grow, transition them to newly hatched brine shrimp to support healthy development.
Lifespan
With proper care, Golden Banded Gobies can live for 5-8 years. Maintaining stable water conditions and a nutritious diet is essential to their longevity.
Tank Setup and Conditions
Golden Banded Gobies require a brackish water setup to thrive. Use a specific gravity of 1.005–1.010 to replicate their natural environment. The tank should include a fine sandy substrate to prevent damage to their delicate fins, along with rocks, driftwood, and live plants to create hiding spots and reduce stress. A tank size of at least 40 liters (10 gallons) is recommended for a small group, though larger tanks are needed if you plan to house multiple males to minimize territorial disputes.
Maintain water temperatures between 24-30°C (75.2-86°F) and a pH of 7.5-8.5. Regular water changes and careful monitoring of salinity levels are crucial to ensuring their health. Despite their peaceful nature toward other species, their territorial tendencies mean they are best kept with similarly brackish fish or in a species-only tank.
Short Description
The Golden Banded Goby (Brachygobius nunus) is a small, brackish-water fish known for its striking gold-and-black coloration and unique fused ventral fins, which act as suction cups. These gobies are well-suited for experienced aquarists who can maintain brackish water conditions. Their peaceful demeanor toward other species makes them a fascinating addition to a specialized tank setup.