Our Guide To Keeping Zhou's Scarlet Goby Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Rhinogobius zhoui
   • Common name: Zhou's Scarlet Goby
   • Family: Oxudercidae
   • Origin: Southern China
   • Adult length: 4 to 5 cm
   • Lifespan: 3 to 5 years
   • Diet: Carnivore
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Territorial

2. Tank Setup:

   • Zhou's Scarlet Gobies are best kept in a mature aquarium with a footprint that provides plenty of bottom territory. A minimum tank size of around 60L is suitable for a small group, although a larger aquarium provides more space for territorial males.
   • Use a substrate of fine sand or smooth gravel together with rounded stones, pebbles, caves and pieces of driftwood to create numerous hiding places and visual barriers.
   • Hardy plants such as Java Fern, Anubias and Bucephalandra can be attached to rocks and wood, while maintaining open areas along the substrate for feeding and territorial displays.

3. Water Parameters:

   • Zhou's Scarlet Gobies prefer clean, well-oxygenated water with a pH range of approximately 6.5 to 7.5.
   • Keep the water temperature between 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F).
   • Stable water conditions and low levels of dissolved waste are particularly important, as these gobies originate from clear freshwater stream habitats.

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Provide efficient filtration with moderate water movement and good surface agitation to maintain a high level of dissolved oxygen.
   • A stream-style aquarium with directional flow can suit this species well, but calmer areas should also be provided around caves and rocks where the fish can rest and establish territories.
   • Regular partial water changes are recommended to maintain consistently high water quality.

5. Diet:

   • Zhou's Scarlet Gobies are primarily carnivorous and prefer small live or frozen foods rather than relying solely on dry foods.
   • Offer foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and other appropriately sized aquatic invertebrates.
   • Some individuals may accept sinking micro-pellets or granules once settled, but a varied diet containing frozen and live foods is recommended for optimum condition and colour.

6. Tank mates:

   • Zhou's Scarlet Gobies can be kept with peaceful, similarly sized fish that prefer cool to moderately warm, well-oxygenated water.
   • Suitable tank mates can include small Danios, Rasboras, White Cloud Mountain Minnows and other peaceful stream-dwelling species that are unlikely to compete aggressively for bottom territories.
   • Avoid large, aggressive or highly predatory fish, as well as overly boisterous bottom-dwelling species that may continually compete with the gobies for food and shelter.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Zhou's Scarlet Gobies are active bottom-dwelling fish that spend much of their time perched on stones, exploring the substrate and defending small territories.
   • Males can become territorial towards one another, particularly when displaying or breeding, so provide numerous caves, rocks and visual barriers when keeping multiple males.
   • Despite their territorial behaviour towards their own kind, they are generally peaceful towards unrelated fish occupying the middle and upper levels of the aquarium.
   • Mature males can develop striking red and dark colouration, making this species especially attractive when maintained in a natural stream-style aquarium.