Sabanus Bumble Bee Goby
Sabanus Bumble Bee Goby (Brachygobius sabanus) displays the characteristic bumblebee banding pattern. Named for Sabah, Malaysian Borneo — where it was first collected. Brachygobius gobies are charming, compact, and territory-focused nano fish from the tidal rivers and estuaries of Southeast Asia. They are bold and personable despite their tiny size — males maintain territories among rocks and caves and display enthusiastically to rivals and females.
Feeding & Care Tip: Brachygobius gobies are carnivores that strongly prefer live or frozen foods over dry foods. Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms are the staple foods — supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms. Some individuals learn to accept small sinking pellets over time but frozen foods should always be the primary diet.
Note on Brackish Water: Brachygobius gobies are naturally found in brackish to freshwater environments. They can be kept in pure freshwater provided it is hard and alkaline, but adding a small amount of aquarium salt (1–2 teaspoons per 10 gallons) can improve their long-term health and coloration, particularly for wild-caught specimens. This is optional but recommended.
Native to tidal rivers, estuaries, and mangrove zones of Southeast Asia — environments with naturally variable salinity. They can be kept in pure freshwater provided it is hard and alkaline, but slightly brackish conditions are their natural environment and improve long-term health.
Keep in groups of four to six — more active and interesting in numbers. Males are territorial with each other; provide caves and structure for territory establishment. Completely carnivorous — they will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths. Keep only with fish of comparable size.
Brachygobius gobies are ideal for brackish nano aquariums or hard-water freshwater setups. Their bold personalities, vivid banding, and interesting territorial behavior make them rewarding fish for the nano specialist.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Territorial between males — predatory toward tiny fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 4–6 with caves for each male |
| Ideal Temp | 75–86°F (24–30°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| Ideal GH | 8–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Origin | Sabah, Malaysian Borneo |
| Notes | Named for Sabah, Borneo. Standard bumblebee banding. Brackish option beneficial. |
