Leavell Goby

Distribution

Widely distributed from the Nam Ma and Nam Mat river systems in northeastern Laos throughout northern Vietnam, including the Red (Hóng Hé) River, to the Pearl (Zhu Jiang) drainage in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China.

Maintenance

Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some water-worn boulders.

This can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies, and shaded spots, thus providing broken lines of sight.

While the majority of aquatic plants will fail to thrive in such surroundings hardy types such as Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. can be grown attached to the décor.

Like many fishes that naturally inhabit running water it’s intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires spotless water in order to thrive, thus weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should also be considered routine.

Though torrent-like conditions are unnecessary it does best if there is a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and some water movement in the tank meaning power filter(s), additional powerhead(s), or airstone(s) should be employed as necessary.

Parameters:

Temperature: 22 - 28 °C
pH Level: 6.0 – 8.0
TDS: 90-200 ppm
GH: 5-12
KH: 3-7
Lifespan: Up to 4 years
Size: 5-6 cm
Diet: Omnivore
Behavior: Peaceful and can be kept in small groups