About the Red Lip Goby
name: red lip goby (sicyopus rubicundus)
max size: up to 2.5 inches
water parameters: pH 6.5-7.5, temperature 72-80°F, soft to moderately hard water; requires clean, highly oxygenated freshwater
diet: carnivorous – primarily feeds on small aquatic invertebrates and insect larvae; offer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small meaty foods; may eventually accept high quality sinking micro pellets
temperament: generally peaceful toward other fish but can be territorial with other gobies, especially males; best kept with peaceful tank mates and plenty of individual territories
tank setup: stream-style aquarium with smooth rocks, rounded gravel, strong water circulation, and excellent filtration; provide well-oxygenated water, established biofilm-covered surfaces, and plenty of rocky hiding areas
compatibility: suitable with peaceful, active fish that appreciate flowing water, such as small danios and certain rasboras; avoid aggressive bottom dwellers, large predatory fish, and slow-moving species that dislike strong currents
behavior: spends much of its time perched on rocks using its fused pelvic fins as a suction disc; frequently moves between rocks while searching for tiny prey and defending preferred resting spots
fun fact: male red lip gobies develop striking reddish coloration around their mouths and faces, especially during courtship, creating a beautiful contrast against their darker bodies. Like other stream-dwelling gobies, they use their specialized pelvic fins to grip rocks in fast-moving water.
