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Lipstick Goby

Sicyopus jonklaasi

Freshwater South Asia

The Lipstick Goby is an iconic hillstream dweller named for the male's vibrant scarlet snout and red tail. It clings to smooth river rocks using modified pelvic fins. It demands torrential current, highly oxygenated cool water, and small live or frozen invertebrates rather than typical processed dry flakes.

Also called: Lipstick goby.

4.5 cm adult length, drawn to scale. torpedo body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 1 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 4.5 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 70 L, at least 60 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 8 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 22 to 26 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 6.8 to 7.8 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 6 to 16, KH 3 to 8 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow High Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Moderate Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size Single fish is fine Not a schooling species.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 4 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Experienced keepers only A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Lipstick Goby is an carnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it plenty of cover.

Tankmates

Works with

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.