Species profile
Stiphodon Goby
Stiphodon atropurpureus
Peaceful
Hard care
60 L minimum aquarium
4–5 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A mature high-oxygen aquarium with real aufwuchs is essential. This is not a generic 'algae eater' for a new tank.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
4–12 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
High
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Low–moderate
Predation risk
None
Bioload factor
0.7
Peaceful rheophilic grazer. Males may defend small patches of rock but serious damage is unusual when grazing area is abundant.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
Yes
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Herbivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Stiphodon atropurpureus
Alternative names
Blue Neon Stiphodon, Atropurpureus Goby
Native range
Western Pacific island streams; species occurs in fast coastal drainages with amphidromous connectivity.
Natural habitat
Clear, shallow, fast-flowing streams over rock with intense light, high dissolved oxygen and abundant algal/biofilm growth.
Diet & feeding
Specialised algal/biofilm grazer. Maintain mature rock surfaces and supplement with algae-rich foods; do not rely on meaty foods alone.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males develop stronger blue/purple iridescence and display coloration; females are plainer and more cryptic.
Breeding
Eggs are laid in sheltered cavities and guarded by the male; tiny larvae drift to sea and later return upstream, making captive completion of the life cycle very difficult.