White Cheek Goby
White Cheek Goby (Rhinogobius duospilus) Males display vivid coloration with a distinctive white to cream cheek patch contrasting with orange-red and dark body markings — the 'white cheek' feature is visible from across the tank. Rhinogobius gobies are some of the most spectacularly colored small freshwater fish from East Asian mountain streams — males rival marine gobies in the intensity and complexity of their coloration, yet are fully freshwater fish from cool, clear upland rivers.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms make excellent staples. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms 2–3 times per week. Feed near the substrate — these are bottom-oriented fish that pick food from the surface they rest on.
Rhinogobius gobies inhabit clear, cool, fast-flowing streams in East Asia. The aquarium should provide good water movement and oxygenation, rocky substrate, and caves for territory establishment. Males are territorial with each other but peaceful with other species. These are sit-and-wait predators that hunt invertebrates from a resting position on the substrate.
Keep one male per defined territory, or one male with multiple females. Males fight persistently if unable to establish separate space. Excellent planted aquarium fish — their coloration is most vivid against green plants and dark substrate. Compatible with other cool-water species that share similar environmental requirements.
Rhinogobius gobies represent some of the most underappreciated freshwater fish available — rivaling marine gobies in color while being fully freshwater and relatively straightforward to keep. The males' vivid coloration intensifies during territorial displays, creating a spectacular show in a well-structured aquarium.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Territorial between males — peaceful with other species |
| Typical Adult Size | 2.0 inches (5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 1 male per territory + females |
| Ideal Temp | 64–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 3–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Origin | Southern China, Hong Kong, and surrounding streams |
| Notes | White cheek patch is distinctive ID feature. Cool-water species. Males territorial — provide caves. |
