Ocelot goby - Brachygobius xantomelas

The ocelot goby or freshwater zebra goby (Brachygobius xanthomelas) from Southeast Asia, which remains very small and is only a maximum of 2-2.5 cm long, displays a pied black pattern on a yellowish to golden ground. Adult females are rounder than males, but otherwise look the same.

In the wild, Brachygobius xanthomelas is found in small streams and sometimes peaty swamps with very soft water. The waters usually have dense marginal growth, and foliage is found on the bottom. Unlike many other gobies, the ocelot golden goby never occurs in habitats with brackish water.

Although the Ocelot Goby is a territorial fish, it is better to keep it in a group of at least 6 animals, so that the intra-species squabbles are more evenly distributed.

Already an aquarium from 40, better from 54 liters is sufficient for such a group. A shallow tank as a species aquarium is possible, because the gobies prefer to live on the bottom. A good structure of caves, stones and roots should be given, so that the gobies can avoid each other in case of territorial discussions, the water flow in the aquarium should be only moderate. Tubes should be closed on one side and have a diameter of about 1 cm. Sand should be chosen as substrate. A temperature of 22 to 28 °C and a high oxygen content are necessary, the water can be soft to medium hard. Humic substances should be added to the aquarium water.

You can socialize the small Ocelot Golden Ringed Gobies with other peaceful fish of similar size that are more surface oriented, but they are much better off in a species tank. Small baby shrimp will be eaten, larger shrimp are perfectly safe due to the size of the fish. Crayfish and dwarf crayfish would eat the small gobies, so socialization should be avoided.

Not much is known about the breeding of Brachygobius xanthomelas. However, the golden ringed gobies of the genus Brachygobius usually spawn in cavities under larger stones, and the males engage in brood care until the very small juveniles swim freely. Juveniles initially reside in the upper layers of water and transition to bottom life as they age. They initially eat the finest live foods such as slipper lizards, and later also Artemia nauplii.

The ocelot golden goby is a lurker and carnivore. In the wild, it feeds primarily on small insect larvae and worms. In the aquarium, the pretty ornamental fish should be fed with fine live food such as Artemia nauplii, worms and small mosquito larvae. They can be accustomed to frozen food.

Our feed recommendation: This NatureHolic main feed is a professional staple feed for all aquarium fish. Main feed we supply in the form of soft granules, which thanks to its grain size of half a millimeter can be easily absorbed by small to medium-sized fish. The soft consistency resembles the texture of insect larvae in nature and protects the fish mouth from micro-injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free from algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.