Gobiidae

Sicyopus

5.08 cm

Aggressive, Semi-aggressive, Community

Males are territorial and can get into fights with head biting.

Insectivore

100.00 L

80.00 cm x 40.00 cm

22.0 C - 26.0 C

pH: 6.0 - 7.5
KH: 4 - 8 dKH

Bottom

The Red Lipstick Goby (Sicyopus rubicundus) is a freshwater goby that is native to Indonesia. It is known for the bright red/orange coloration that mature male specimens display on their lips and back half of the body. Females are silver with no coloration, but are still very active and interesting. This fascinating fish is a micropredator for well-structured stream tanks with lots of stones and hiding places. There have been some instances where they may go after shrimp or other nano invertebrates, but they are safe to keep with larger species of shrimp.

An aquarium with heavy water flow (10 to 15 times turnover per hour) and very clean, clear water is required for the Red Lipstick Goby, especially when it is kept in warmer water. This fish is native to shallow, clear, fast-flowing waters and is sensitive to water quality declines, so regular aquarium maintenance is a must.

The Red Lipstick Goby is a micropredator in nature. It is known to accept frozen and live meaty foods of appropriate size. This fish usually will not accept dry foods. As long as it is kept in a well-maintained, mature aquarium with high water flow, the Red Lipstick Goby is a hardy and entertaining fish. It will not bother aquarium plants.

Most small rasboras, tetras, hillstream loaches, and other small, peaceful stream fish are good tankmates for the Red Lipstick Goby. Other bottom-dwelling fish are also a possibility in a large enough tank, but care must be taken to ensure that the Red Lipstick Goby has enough hiding spots or stones to build a territory for each species. The Red Lipstick Goby can be very territorial, especially in small tanks, so it may occasionally bully other passive, slow-moving bottom-dwellers if space is limited.

Many gobies have the ability to climb glass and jump out of the water, so an aquarium lid is necessary to prevent escape.

Information from:
https://aquaticarts.com/products/red-lipstick-sicyopus-goby and edited by Julia Bindl (Goby-mui)