Cobalt Blue Goby Care
Stiphodon semoni
The cobalt blue goby (Stiphodon semoni) lives in flowing streams, where it grazes algae and biofilm from stones. In an aquarium this requires a mature, stable setup with oxygen-rich water and a continuous supply of grazing surfaces. It is not suitable for a newly started tank. The fish can also climb glass and jump, so a secure lid is essential. Stiphodon species are sometimes sold under incorrect names; confirm identification before applying care information. Keep the aquarium mature and secure before introducing the fish.
Plan your aquarium →At a glance
- Temperature
- 22–28 °C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- GH
- 2–12 °dGH
- Aquarium length
- At least 60 cm
- Minimum aquarium volume
- At least 54 L
- Adult size
- Up to 5 cm
- Group size
- At least 2 individuals
- Temperament
- Peaceful
About this species
Stiphodon semoni Weber, 1895 is a goby in Gobiidae. Its range extends from western Sumatra east to northern New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. In trade it has often been confused with species including S. elegans and S. atropurpureus. The specialist profile describes a bright metallic blue stripe along the male’s flank; a trade name alone is not enough for identification.
Natural habitat
Stiphodon gobies are adapted to flowing, well-oxygenated streams. They graze benthic algae and microorganisms within biofilm on hard surfaces. An aquarium should therefore be mature and stable, with algae allowed to grow on stones. Keep the viewing pane clean, but do not scrub every grazing surface at once.
Aquarium and layout
Seriously Fish gives a 60 × 30 cm footprint and about 54 litres for a pair or small group. More space is needed for multiple species or males. Arrange smooth stones of varied sizes, mature algae and biofilm, strong oxygenation and established filtration. The source describes high turnover as a guide while noting that adequate oxygenation affects the flow rate needed. Use a tight-fitting lid: these fish can climb glass and jump.
Water conditions
The specialist aquarium range is 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5 and 2–12 dGH. Keep water clean and highly oxygenated. As temperature rises, increase surface agitation to maintain oxygen. Avoid rapid changes and add the species only to a stable, mature aquarium.
Behaviour and group size
This species can be kept with carefully selected peaceful fishes from oxygen-rich streams. Males may be somewhat territorial; provide visual barriers and extra space if several fish or species share the bottom. Avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers and food competitors. Do not add Stiphodon to an immature tank, and do not treat matching temperature or pH alone as proof of compatibility.
Feeding
Stiphodon semoni is a specialized grazer of benthic algae and biofilm. A mature aquarium with algae on stones and other surfaces is essential; dry food alone is not an adequate substitute. Some sinking foods and small meaty items may be accepted, but only occasionally. Check body condition before purchase because severely emaciated fish can be difficult to recover.
Breeding
The care source reviewed does not support a simple home-breeding recipe. Sicydiine gobies have a life cycle involving marine larval development, so routine aquarium breeding should not be implied. Prioritize stable water, oxygenation and a continuing supply of biofilm.
Sources & review
This care guide draws on several specialist sources and was last checked on .