Species profile
Knight Goby
Stigmatogobius sadanundio
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
100 L minimum aquarium
6–10 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Territorial goby from estuarine and tidal river systems. Despite its brackish reputation, FishBase states it prefers freshwater and is only rarely found brackish.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
20–26 °C
pH
7–8
GH
9–19 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
1.1
Territorial around caves and hardscape. Can be kept with robust fish too large to swallow; multiple Knight Gobies require extra floor space and separated shelters.
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
100 L
Minimum footprint
80 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Stigmatogobius sadanundio
Alternative names
Knight Goby
Native range
South and South-east Asia, from the Indian subcontinent through parts of South-east Asia and Indonesia.
Natural habitat
Estuaries and tidal river zones, with FishBase reporting a preference for fresh water and only rare occurrence in brackish water. Provide caves, stones/roots and open bottom space.
Diet & feeding
Feeds on small fishes and invertebrates including mosquito larvae. Use varied frozen/live meaty foods and suitably sized sinking carnivore foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males tend to be slimmer and greyer and can develop more exaggerated dorsal finnage; females are fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Cave/substrate spawner. FishBase reports up to roughly 1,000 eggs. Larval husbandry is difficult and some specialist accounts report a marine phase.