Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are peaceful toward most other fish species. Males can be slightly territorial with one another. Overall, they are hardy and interesting additions to the tank.

Diet

Carnivore

They are carnivores that enjoy meaty foods. Frozen bloodworms, mysis shrimp, and sinking pellets are ideal. They will also eagerly consume live blackworms or brine shrimp.

Sex ratio

Pair

They can be kept in pairs or small groups. Multiple males may spar over caves and territory. Providing plenty of hiding spots minimizes any aggression.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feed them once or twice a day. Ensure the food sinks to the bottom where they reside. They are opportunistic feeders that will quickly grab falling food.

Bioload

The knight goby has a moderate bioload. Regular water changes and standard filtration are adequate. They are not overly messy eaters.

Flow

Moderate

They prefer slow to moderate water flow. High flow environments can exhaust them over time. Provide plenty of rocks and caves to break the current.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

They have been successfully bred in home aquariums. They lay eggs in caves which the male fiercely guards. The tiny fry require brackish water and infusoria to survive.

Compatibility & tankmates

Community

They are good additions to a peaceful brackish tank. They can be kept with mollies, halfbeaks, and small archerfish. Avoid keeping them with very small fish that could be eaten.

Tank level

Bottom

They are strictly bottom dwellers. They spend their time hopping along the substrate and resting on rocks. They appreciate a sandy bottom to dig in.