Sumatran Red Goby Care Guide: Feeding, Tank Setup & Where to Buy

🐟 What Is a Sumatran Red Goby?

The Sumatran Red Goby is a vibrant, bottom-dwelling freshwater fish prized for its bright red coloration and unique personality. Native to the fast-flowing streams of Sumatra, this goby is perfect for planted nano tanks, community aquariums, or river-style setups.

At Rob’s Aquatics, we offer healthy, tank-raised Sumatran Red Gobies—ideal for hobbyists who want a splash of red at the bottom of their tanks.

👉 Shop Sumatran Red Gobies Now


📏 How Big Do Sumatran Red Gobies Get?

  • Adult size: 1.5 – 2.5 inches

  • Lifespan: 3–5 years in optimal conditions

  • Growth rate: Moderate

These gobies stay small, making them excellent for aquascaped tanks and community nano tanks.


🏞️ Ideal Tank Setup for Red Gobies

These fish come from clear, oxygen-rich streams, so they thrive in well-oxygenated, clean environments.

Tank Requirements:

  • Tank size: 10 gallons minimum (20+ for groups)

  • Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

  • Decor: Rocks, driftwood, caves, live plants

  • Water movement: Moderate flow (consider sponge filters or powerheads)

  • Lid: Recommended – they may jump when startled

🪴 Perfect for planted tanks or “river” biotope aquariums.


🌡️ Water Parameters

Parameter Ideal Range
Temperature 72–78°F
pH 6.8 – 7.5
GH Moderate (6–12 dGH)
Ammonia/Nitrite 0 ppm
Nitrate < 30 ppm

💧 Weekly water changes and stable conditions are key to long-term health.


🍽️ What Do Sumatran Red Gobies Eat?

These gobies are micro predators and scavengers, best suited to a varied, protein-rich diet.

Recommended Foods:

  • Live or frozen brine shrimp

  • Daphnia, microworms

  • Bloodworms, tubifex (chopped)

  • High-quality sinking nano pellets

  • Crushed flake or powdered food

🛒 Shop Goby-Friendly Foods


🤝 Best Tank Mates for Red Gobies

Sumatran Red Gobies are peaceful, making them great for community tanks with similarly-sized, calm fish.

Compatible Species:

  • Neon Tetras

  • Harlequin Rasboras

  • Dwarf Gouramis

  • Pygmy Corydoras

  • Shrimp (if well-fed and peaceful)

🚫 Avoid: Large or aggressive fish, fin-nippers, or fast-feeding competitors.


🧠 Behavior & Personality

These gobies are territorial but not aggressive, especially when housed in small groups. You’ll often see them “perching” on rocks, chasing tiny particles in the current, or defending their favorite cave.

💡 Add multiple hiding spots to reduce competition and create visual interest.


🛒 Where to Buy Sumatran Red Gobies Online

At RobsAquatics.com, we ship healthy, active Red Gobies that are:

  • Tank-raised and parasite-free

  • Acclimated to community setups

  • Shipped overnight with live arrival guarantee

👉 Order Sumatran Red Gobies Now


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✅ Final Thoughts: Is the Sumatran Red Goby Right for You?

If you're looking for a hard-to-find freshwater goby with color, personality, and community compatibility, the Sumatran Red Goby is a top-tier pick. They’re peaceful, unique, and visually stunning in well-maintained aquariums.

🛒 Ready to bring home a Red Goby?
👉 Buy Sumatran Red Gobies at Rob’s Aquatics

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