Bumble Bee Goby

Name: Bumble Bee Goby
Brand: Apex Aquatic
Price: 15.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

$15.00

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Description

About the Bumble Bee Goby

The Bumble Bee Goby is a tiny, eye-catching goby named for its distinctive black and yellow banding. Reaching only around 4 cm, these fascinating little fish are full of personality and spend much of their time perching on rocks, plants, wood, and other surfaces around the lower areas of the aquarium.

Native to Southeast Asia, Brachygobius doriae occurs in both freshwater and brackish environments. Because "Bumble Bee Goby" is used for several Brachygobius species, it is important to know which species you are purchasing when determining the ideal long-term water conditions.

Bumble Bee Gobies are best kept in small groups with plenty of structure, including rocks, driftwood, caves, plants, and other hiding areas. Their small size and peaceful nature make them an interesting addition to appropriately stocked nano and specialist aquariums.

They can be fussy eaters and often prefer small meaty foods such as live or frozen bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp, and other appropriately sized foods. Offering a varied diet and ensuring food reaches them is particularly important.

With their bold bee-like markings and fascinating behaviour, Bumble Bee Gobies are a fantastic choice for aquarists looking for something different from the usual community fish.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Brachygobius doriae
Common Name: Bumble Bee Goby / Bumblebee Goby
Origin: Southeast Asia
Adult Size: Up to approximately 4 cm
Temperament: Peaceful, territorial with their own kind
Diet: Carnivore
Minimum Tank Size: 40 Litres
Temperature: 22–28°C
pH: 6.5–8.0
Water Hardness: Moderate
Difficulty: Intermediate
Lifespan: Approximately 3–5 Years
Suitable For: Specialist nano aquariums, freshwater setups, and brackish aquariums

Important: Bumble Bee Gobies are sometimes sold under the same common name despite differences between species. Always confirm the exact species and whether your stock is being maintained in freshwater or brackish conditions before setting up the aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bumble Bee Gobies freshwater fish?

Some Bumble Bee Gobies can be maintained in freshwater, while others are more dependent on brackish conditions. Brachygobius doriae is recorded from both freshwater and brackish environments, so confirming the species and source of the fish is important.

How many Bumble Bee Gobies should I keep?

They are social little fish and generally do best when kept in a small group rather than individually. Provide plenty of caves, plants and visual barriers so individuals can establish small territories.

What do Bumble Bee Gobies eat?

They prefer meaty foods such as live or frozen bloodworms, daphnia, baby brine shrimp and other appropriately sized foods. Some individuals can be difficult to transition onto prepared foods.

Can Bumble Bee Gobies live with other fish?

Yes, provided their tank mates are peaceful and appropriately sized. Avoid large, aggressive or highly competitive species that may outcompete them for food.

Are Bumble Bee Gobies suitable for beginners?

They are better suited to aquarists with some experience because of their specialised feeding requirements and the need to pay attention to their specific water requirements.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them without enough structure
Rocks, plants, driftwood and small caves provide essential hiding places and territories.

Assuming every Bumble Bee Goby has identical requirements
Several Brachygobius species are sold under the common name, so confirm the species before deciding on freshwater or brackish conditions.

Not providing suitable food
Their small size and carnivorous diet can make feeding challenging. Ensure food is appropriately sized and reaches the gobies.

Keeping them with aggressive fish
Large or aggressive tank mates can easily intimidate or outcompete these tiny gobies.

Keeping them individually
A small group allows more natural social behaviour and provides a much more interesting display.

Shipping & delivery

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Returns

We stand behind everything we sell. If something is not right, get in touch and we will make it right. See our returns policy for the details.

Care & quarantine

This fish has been through our dedicated quarantine system and is feeding, settled and health-checked before sale. We still recommend acclimating slowly and quarantining new additions at home. Our team is happy to talk you through the right setup - just ask.

How we quarantine →