Candy Stripe Goby
Candy Stripe Goby (Awaous flavus) is a larger and more robust goby from tropical freshwater streams of Central and South America and surrounding regions. The pale body is marked with bold, repeating dark brown to reddish-brown stripes or blotches — a bold, graphic 'candy stripe' pattern on a chunky, benthic goby with the characteristic broad head of the genus.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Hikari Mini Algae Wafers make excellent staples — Awaous gobies graze algae and biofilm as well as hunting invertebrates. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms 2–3 times per week. Good substrate-level feeding opportunities are important.
Native to freshwater streams and rivers of Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Inhabits fast to moderately flowing streams with rocky substrate and algae-covered surfaces. More robust and adaptable than the Stiphodon gobies while still appreciating clean, well-oxygenated water.
Keep in pairs or with adequate territory for each male. Males are territorial but this species is large enough to be kept with a wider range of medium-sized peaceful community fish than the nano gobies. Rocky substrate and algae growth on surfaces are appreciated.
A satisfying medium-sized freshwater goby with a bold pattern and an interesting ecological position as both an algae grazer and invertebrate predator. More community-compatible than many specialist gobies.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Territorial between males — community compatible |
| Typical Adult Size | 4.0 inches (10 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Pair or one per territory |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 3–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Hikari Mini Algae Wafers |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Origin | Central America, Caribbean, and northern South America |
| Notes | Larger and more community-compatible than nano gobies. Algae grazer and invertebrate predator. Rocky substrate with algae growth appreciated. Males territorial. |
