Rhinogobius leavelli – ~6 cm Leavelli Stream Goby

The Leavelli Goby is a captivating freshwater goby native to swift, oxygen-rich mountain streams across southern China, northern Vietnam, and Laos, including the Red and Pearl River basins. It typically grows to around 6 cm in length and displays a robust, oriental aesthetic—featuring subtle lateral blotches, a distinct dark bar at the pectoral base, and sizeable eyes. Hardy yet peaceful when well-housed, Leavelli Gobies add a lively dynamic to well-designed community aquariums.

Care Instructions

• Tank Setup:

  • A base tank of at least 60 L (~15 gallons) is recommended for a small group.

  • Use a mixture of sand and fine gravel substrate with rocks, driftwood, or terracotta pipes to create shaded crevices and broken lines of sight.

• Water Conditions:

  • Maintain a temperature of 20–28 °C, with pH between 6.0–8.0.

  • Ensure clean, well-oxygenated water with moderate flow—weekly water changes of 30–50% help maintain optimal conditions.

• Diet:

  • Carnivorous and opportunistic—feeds on small invertebrates, crustaceans, and similar prey.

  • In captivity, offer small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, Artemia. Dried foods can be introduced gradually once acclimated.

• Behavior & Tankmates:

  • Generally peaceful and versatile as a mid-to-upper water swimmer.

  • Males can be territorial, so keep at least two males with more females or structured environments to reduce aggression.

  • Best paired with peaceful, similar-sized fish like Danios or Tanichthys. Avoid tiny shrimp (as prey) or close congeners to prevent hybridization.

• Breeding Notes:

  • Known to exhibit cave-spawning behavior with male parental care. Breeding in home aquaria is possible but requires careful setup of hiding sites and stable conditions.