Red Tail Goby

About the Red Tail Goby

The Red Tail Goby is a stunning freshwater goby admired for its brilliant red to orange tail, iridescent blue body, and fascinating grazing behaviour. Native to the fast-flowing streams of Southeast Asia, these peaceful fish spend their days clinging to rocks, driftwood, and aquarium glass while feeding on algae and biofilm.

Male Red Tail Gobies develop spectacular breeding colours, displaying metallic blue bodies contrasted by vibrant red tails and intricately patterned fins. Females are generally more subdued in colour but share the same peaceful temperament and active personality.

Red Tail Gobies thrive in mature, well-established aquariums with excellent water quality, smooth rocks, driftwood, and plenty of natural algae and biofilm. A gentle to moderate current and highly oxygenated water closely replicate their natural habitat. While they consume algae and biofilm, they should also be offered high-quality sinking foods, algae wafers, spirulina-based foods, and frozen fare such as baby brine shrimp and daphnia.

Their unique appearance, peaceful nature, and constant grazing behaviour make the Red Tail Goby a fantastic addition to planted aquariums, river-style aquascapes, and peaceful community tanks.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Stiphodon sp.

Common Name

Red Tail Goby

Origin

Southeast Asia

Adult Size

4–6 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore (Biofilm & Algae Grazer)

Minimum Tank Size

60 Litres

Temperature

22–28°C

pH

6.5–7.8

Water Hardness

3–15 dGH

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

3–5 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, aquascapes, and peaceful community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Red Tail Gobies aggressive?

No. They are peaceful fish that coexist well with other small community species. Males may display to one another but serious aggression is uncommon in well-structured aquariums.

What do Red Tail Gobies eat?

They feed on algae, biofilm, spirulina wafers, sinking micro pellets, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and other small foods.

Can Red Tail Gobies live with shrimp?

Yes. They are generally safe with Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Do Red Tail Gobies need algae?

Yes. Mature aquariums with natural algae and biofilm provide an important food source and help keep these gobies in excellent condition.

Can Red Tail Gobies climb?

Like many gobies, they can climb glass and may jump if startled. A tightly fitting lid is highly recommended.

Common Mistakes

Adding them to new aquariums

Red Tail Gobies rely heavily on biofilm and algae, making mature aquariums essential.

Not providing enough oxygen

Strong filtration and good water movement help replicate their natural stream habitat.

Feeding only algae

Although they graze naturally, they also require supplemental high-quality prepared and frozen foods.

Keeping them without hiding places

Smooth rocks, driftwood, and planted areas provide security and encourage natural behaviour.

Leaving the aquarium uncovered

They are capable climbers and jumpers, so a secure lid is recommended.