The Rainbow Goby (Stiphodon ornatus) is a fascinating species that not only adds a burst of color to your aquarium but is also known for its calm behavior and adaptability to different environments.
Stiphodon ornatus are highly valued ornamental fish due to their ability to change coloration depending on their mood or stress levels, and because they are very peaceful fish. However, their popularity among aquarium enthusiasts can impact wild populations of this goby, as their reproduction in captivity has not yet been achieved.
Since goby species are difficult to breed, aquarium supplies come from wild-caught specimens in the natural environment in the provinces of Aceh and West Sumatra in Indonesia. In this regard, if you decide to purchase some specimens, we recommend ensuring they come from sustainable fisheries to reduce predation.
Rainbow gobies (Stiphodon ornatus) are the most traded among aquarium enthusiasts; however, there is some confusion when they are sold in ornamental shops with different Stiphodon species: Stiphodon atratus, Stiphodon imperiorientis, Stiphodon martenstyni, Stiphodon pelewensis, Stiphodonpulchellus, Stiphodon weberi.
In this article, we aim to provide you with an overview of the breeding, feeding, and reproduction of the Rainbow Goby fish.
Taxonomy of the Rainbow Goby
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Subclass: Neopterygii
- Infraclass: Teleostei
- Superorder: Acanthopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Stiphodon
- Scientific Name: Stiphodon ornatus (Meinken, 1974).
- Common Name in spanish: Gobio arcoíris
- English Name: Rainbow Goby, The Rainbow Stiphodon Goby
It is important to note that three goby species are traded in the ornamental fish industry: Stiphodon ornatus, S. semoni, and S. maculidorsalis. If you want to learn more about the differences between each species, Maeda and Hui (2013) offer information to differentiate the anatomical characteristics of each species.
Characteristics of the Rainbow Goby
The Rainbow Goby gets its name from its ability to quickly change color in stressful situations. Stiphodon ornatus can reach a length of up to 7 centimeters and has a lifespan of 2 to 3 years.
The main morphological characteristics of Rainbow Gobies are their elongated bodies and the fact that their pelvic fins are fused, forming a pelvic suction cup that allows them to attach to the substrate. Gehl (2020) reported that by using their pelvic suction cup, Stiphodon gobies can adhere to rocks and other hard surfaces found in streams, which helps facilitate goby migration along their native streams and allows them to withstand strong currents.
Fishbase highlights that S. ornatus can be identified and differentiated from other gobies by the following combination of characters: the second dorsal fin generally has 9 soft rays; the first dorsal fin is pointed with 3-5 elongated spines in males; the pectoral fin generally has 15 soft rays.
Additionally, males lack a white patch behind the base of the pectoral fin; the back and the posterior half of the occipital region are covered with cycloid scales.
By using their pelvic suction cup, Stiphodon gobies can adhere to rocks and other hard surfaces found in streams (Cehl, 2020).
The color of Rainbow Goby fish ranges from light green to dark brown. Males sometimes have two wide dark bars laterally below the bases of the first and second dorsal fins and exhibit black spots on the longest ray of the pectoral fin, 6-12 in males, and 0-6 in females.
Habitat of Stiphodon ornatus
The Rainbow Goby fish is native to the waters of the provinces of Aceh and West Sumatra in Indonesia, where it lives in fast-flowing, shallow stream areas, even near waterfalls and cascades.
Stiphodon ornatus prefer sandy substrates where they can burrow and rocky areas where they can find shelter and food. They are benthopelagic fish (living near the bottom) and amphidromous, as they are born in freshwater but then migrate to the sea to develop into adulthood, when they begin their return to freshwater.
Technical sheet for the breeding of the Rainbow Goby fish
Breeding the Rainbow Goby fish is relatively simple, as it does not require special conditions for its care, except for reproduction. Thus, you can keep your gobies with little trouble alongside other oramental fish.
In Table 01, we have gathered the main parameters for the breeding of S. ornatus, which, as you will see, are similar to those of other tropical fish species.
Table 01. Main parameters for breeding the Rainbow Goby (Stiphodon ornatus).
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Aquarium Size | Minimum 80 liters for one male and 2 or 3 females |
| Water Temperature | 20 to 28°C |
| pH | 6.5 to 7.5 |
| Hardness | 2 to 12 dGH |
| Aquarium Substrate | Gravel or sand |
- Plants: Although not essential, you can include hardy plants that can withstand strong currents, such as Anubias or Java ferns.
Feeding the Rainbow Goby
Rainbow Gobies are herbivores, primarily feeding on benthic algae, which makes them an ideal species for planted aquariums as they help control algae.
In this regard, it is recommended to include structures where microalgae and other microorganisms form biofilms to feed the gobies. Although these fish can accept dry food, bloodworms, and Artemia, it is not the ideal diet.
Diet in Captivity
In the aquarium, it is important to replicate this varied diet. You can offer a combination of high-quality commercial foods, such as goby-specific pellets, and fresh or frozen foods.
- Recommended Foods: Artemia, daphnia, mosquito larvae, and spirulina.
- Supplements: To ensure good health, it is advisable to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals.
Feeding Frequency
Feed your Rainbow Gobies in small amounts several times a day. It is crucial to avoid overfeeding, as it can cause health problems and deteriorate water quality.
A recommended feeding practice for Rainbow Gobies is to dissolve a spirulina tablet in water, pour it over a rock outside the aquarium, and once it dries, introduce it into the tank. Spirulina will provide your goby with pigments to enhance its coloration.
Reproduction of the Rainbow Goby
Many breeders find breeding Rainbow Gobies challenging because they hatch in freshwater and require seawater for their larval development. Male and female Rainbow Gobies reach sexual maturity after the first year.
Differences Between Males and Females
Identifying male and female Rainbow Gobies is relatively simple due to differences in size and coloration.
- Males: Generally larger and more colorful, with more developed dorsal fins.
- Females: Less colorful and smaller, with duller coloration and less prominent fins.
Another way to differentiate males from females is that males often have a paler coloration with two lateral stripes on their body. This coloration intensifies during the “courtship display.”
Breeding Process
To induce breeding, it is advisable to slightly raise the water temperature and provide an environment with ample shelter, such as rocks and caves. The female will lay eggs on a smooth surface, and the male will fertilize and protect them until they hatch.
Rainbow Gobies are amphidromous; in each spawning, the female can lay up to 10,000 eggs on the underside of rocks. After a period of 24 to 36 hours, the larvae hatch at a length of 1.2 to 1.3 mm, migrating downstream to the sea where they develop as pelagic larvae for 2.5 to 5 months. Subsequently, the larvae migrate to freshwater streams once they reach a length of 13 to 14 mm.
If you are interested in achieving larval breeding of Rainbow Gobies, you might want to learn about experiences with giant shrimp. Although these are entirely different species, you could adapt the larval cultivation methods to gobies.
Compatibility of the Rainbow Goby
Rainbow Gobies are peaceful and non-territorial fish. You can keep several male Rainbow Gobies in the same tank as long as there is enough space.
Although male Rainbow Gobies can exhibit territorial behavior by dividing the aquarium territory, females can live in groups.
- Ideal Tank Mates: Tetras, Danios, rasboras, and small catfish like Corydoras. They can also be kept with ornamental shrimp and snails.
- Avoid: Aggressive cichlids or fish that may see the goby as prey.
Regarding plants, Anubias and Java fern are ideal for Rainbow Gobies.
Conclusion
The Rainbow Goby fish is undoubtedly a spectacular addition to any aquarium, offering not only its colorful presence but also intriguing and peaceful behavior. If you are looking for a fish that combines beauty, tranquility, and a moderate challenge in terms of care, the Rainbow Goby is an excellent choice.
To ensure their well-being, it is essential to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible and maintain an appropriate diet. With proper care, these fish can live for several years, enhancing your aquarium with their bright colors and interesting behavior.
References
Gehl Paul. 2020. Functional Morphology and Muscle Physiology of Stiphodon gobies. University of Lynchburg.
Maeda Ken and Heok Hui. 2013. REVIEW OF STIPHODON (GOBIIDAE: SICYDIINAE) FROM WESTERN SUMATRA, WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES. THE RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY 2013 61(2): 749–761
