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Cobalt Blue Goby

Cobalt Blue Goby

Stiphodon semoni

Gobiidae
Moderate

Parameter dashboard

Temperature

22-28 °C

pH

6.5-7.5

Size

5 cm

Min tank54 L
Price$$
DietHerbivore
TemperamentPeaceful
Social behaviourSolitary
Recommended group3 fish
OriginAsia
Shrimp-safeYes

Care guide

The cobalt blue goby reaches about 5 cm standard length and is a specialised biofilm grazer from clear, fast-flowing coastal streams across Indonesia, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. Males develop a vivid blue body colour that fades in subordinates or stressed individuals. The aquarium should measure at least 60 by 30 cm (about 54 L) with strong flow, high oxygenation, and a mature biofilm coating the rocks. Fit a secure cover, as these gobies can climb aquarium glass. Temperature of 22–28 °C and pH 6.5–7.5 suit it, but the upper end of the temperature range needs extra surface agitation to maintain dissolved oxygen. They are peaceful and can be kept with small danios or rasboras in the upper levels; keep one male with two or more females to spread male attention. Algae-covered rocks are essential — sinking dried foods and occasional bloodworm are accepted but should not replace the biofilm that their long gut is designed to process.

Source

Further reading on identification and aquarium care.

Tankmate compatibility (sample)

Pairwise screening against other species in the database (prioritizing the same family when data is available).

Review first (1)

Caution or avoid from automated rules — confirm before mixing.

SpeciesNotes
Surrufus Stiphodon

Stiphodon surrufus

Caution

Fish 2x+ larger may eat smaller tankmates

Open pair in Compare →
5 species with compatible assessment in this sampleCollapse to hide the list; use “Open pair in Compare” for the full matrix.
SpeciesNotes
Blue Belly Goby

Stiphodon percnopterygionus

Compatible

No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair.

Open pair in Compare →
Desert goby

Chlamydogobius eremius

Compatible

No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair.

Open pair in Compare →
Pelew Stiphodon

Stiphodon pelewensis

Compatible

No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair.

Open pair in Compare →
Red Neon Goby

Stiphodon atropurpureus

Compatible

No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair.

Open pair in Compare →
Zhou's goby

Rhinogobius zhoui

Compatible

No rule-based conflicts detected for this pair.

Open pair in Compare →

Same rule engine as Compare. Not a substitute for observation, tank size, or acclimation.

Related species

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