Species profile
Desert Goby
Chlamydogobius eremius
Peaceful
Moderate care
60 L minimum aquarium
5–6 cm adult size
Bottom
Minimum group: 3
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Euryhaline tolerance does not mean aquarium salt is mandatory. Stable clean mineral-rich freshwater is suitable for normal captive maintenance.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
18–28 °C
pH
7–8.5
GH
8–25 dGH
KH
5–18 dKH
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 3
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.8
Hardy Australian goby with territorial males. Keep with abundant caves and visual barriers; a trio or small group can work if floor space is sufficient.
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
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Chlamydogobius eremius
Alternative names
Desert Goby, Central Australian Desert Goby
Native range
Artesian springs and inland waters of central Australia.
Natural habitat
Extreme inland springs, bores and pools with highly variable temperature, salinity and oxygen; aquarium care should target stable moderate conditions rather than replicate extremes.
Diet & feeding
Opportunistic feeder taking algae, detritus, insects and crustaceans; use varied prepared foods with vegetable material and frozen/live invertebrates.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are more colourful, develop larger fins and become territorial; females are smaller and plainer.
Breeding
Cave/substrate spawner. Female deposits adhesive eggs inside a cavity and the male guards and fans the clutch until hatching.