Species profile
Bumblebee Goby
Brachygobius doriae
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
3.5–4.2 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 6
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Tiny hard-water goby occurring in fresh and brackish water. Territorial at close range and best fed frequent small meaty foods.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
7.2–8.5
GH
12–25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 6
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.5
Small but territorial around shelters. A group works when many separate hiding and feeding areas are provided; avoid fast, competitive feeders.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Brachygobius doriae
Alternative names
Bumblebee Goby, Bee Goby, Gobius doriae, Hypogymnogobius doriae
Native range
South-east Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore; related trade records extend more broadly and are frequently confused.
Natural habitat
Fresh and brackish demersal habitats. Use sand, stones/wood and many small caves in hard alkaline water with gentle circulation.
Diet & feeding
Micropredator. Feed small frozen/live invertebrates and suitably sized meaty foods; many specimens are reluctant to compete for dry food.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexing is subtle; mature females are generally fuller-bodied, while colour alone is unreliable.
Breeding
Cave-brooder. FishBase reports clutches of roughly 150–200 eggs guarded at a sheltered site.