The Golden Banded Goby, scientifically known as *Brachygobius nunus*, is a captivating addition to home aquariums, cherished for its striking yellow and black banded pattern reminiscent of a bumblebee. This small, bottom-dwelling fish is particularly appealing to aquarists interested in brackish water setups. While they are relatively hardy, providing the appropriate environment and care is essential to ensure their well-being. **What makes the Golden Banded Goby a popular choice among aquarists?** Their distinctive coloration and active behavior make them a visually appealing and engaging species for aquarium enthusiasts. **Are Golden Banded Gobies suitable for beginners?** Due to their specific habitat requirements, including brackish water conditions, they are better suited for aquarists with some experience. **Can Golden Banded Gobies be kept in freshwater tanks?** While they can tolerate freshwater, they thrive best in brackish environments that mimic their natural habitat. Caring for the Golden Banded Goby involves creating a habitat that closely resembles their natural brackish environment. A minimum tank size of 19 liters (5 gallons) is suitable for a single fish, but a larger tank of at least 60 liters (15 gallons) is recommended for a small group to reduce territorial disputes. **What are the ideal water parameters for Golden Banded Gobies?** Maintain a temperature between 23-28°C (73.4-82.4°F), a pH of 7.2-8.4, and water hardness of 10-20°N (178.57-357.14 ppm). **Do they require a specific type of substrate?** A fine sandy substrate is ideal, as it mimics their natural habitat and allows them to exhibit natural behaviors. **What should be included in their tank setup?** Incorporate rocks, driftwood, and dense vegetation to provide ample hiding spots and reduce stress. Filtration should be efficient to maintain water quality, and lighting can be moderate, as these gobies do not have specific lighting requirements. Feeding should consist of small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, tubifex, bloodworms, and brine shrimp, offered twice daily in small portions. **Are Golden Banded Gobies sensitive to water changes?** Yes, they can be sensitive to sudden changes in water conditions, so it's important to make adjustments gradually. **Do they exhibit aggressive behavior?** They can be territorial towards their own kind, especially during breeding, so providing sufficient space and hiding spots is crucial. **Can they be kept with other fish species?** They are generally peaceful towards other species but may show aggression towards their own kind if not given enough space. Native to Southeast Asia, the Golden Banded Goby inhabits estuarine regions in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. These environments are characterized by a mix of fresh and saltwater, with sandy or muddy substrates, rocks, and abundant hiding places. **What type of water bodies do they naturally inhabit?** They are found in estuaries where freshwater meets seawater, creating brackish conditions. **Do they prefer areas with strong water flow?** They typically inhabit areas with moderate water flow, allowing them to navigate and feed effectively. **Is there significant seasonal variation in their natural habitat?** Seasonal variations can occur, but they are generally adapted to stable brackish environments. In aquariums, Golden Banded Gobies are known for their peaceful nature towards other species but can be territorial among their own kind. To minimize aggression, it's advisable to keep them in groups with ample space and hiding spots. **Are they suitable for community tanks?** Yes, they can coexist with other peaceful fish species that thrive in similar brackish conditions. **What are some compatible tank mates?** Suitable companions include glass fish, livebearers, halfbeaks, and rainbowfish. **How can territorial behavior be managed?** Providing a spacious tank with plenty of hiding places can help reduce territorial disputes among individuals. The Golden Banded Goby is not only admired for its striking appearance but also for its unique behaviors. They are known to "buzz" from one surface to another, adding dynamic movement to the aquarium. Additionally, their ability to adapt to both freshwater and brackish environments makes them a versatile choice for aquarists interested in exploring different aquatic setups. **Do they have any unique feeding behaviors?** They often scavenge along the bottom, searching for small invertebrates and other food particles. **Is breeding them in captivity challenging?** Breeding can be achieved by mimicking natural conditions, such as gradually adding freshwater to a brackish setup to induce spawning. **How long do they typically live?** With proper care, they can live for 5-8 years. All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources: - - -