Red Lipstick Goby 口红虾虎

Red Lipstick Goby 

Sicyopus Rubicundus

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The Red Lipstick Goby (Sicyopus rubicundus) is a very rare freshwater dwarf goby that is native to Indonesia.  It is known for the yellow second dorsal fin and bright red/orange coloration that mature male specimens display on their lips and back half of the body.  Females are not as colorful, but are still very active and interesting.  This fascinating fish is a micropredator that is an excellent candidate for the mature aquarium.  There have been some instances where they may go after dwarf shrimp or other nano invertebrates but they are safe to keep with larger species of shrimp.

An aquarium with heavy water flow (10 to 15 times turnover per hour) and very clean, clear water is required for the Red Lipstick  Goby, especially when it is kept in warmer water.  This fish is native to shallow, clear, fast-flowing waters and it is sensitive to declines in water quality, so regular aquarium maintenance is a must.

The Red Lipstick  Goby is a micropredator in nature.  It is known to accept frozen and live meaty foods of appropriate size.  This fish usually will not accept dry foods.  As long as it is kept in a well-maintained, mature aquarium with high water flow, the Red Lipstick Goby is a hardy and entertaining fish.  It will not bother aquarium plants.  In fact, Anubias species are an excellent plant to keep with this goby.

Most small rasboras, tetras, hillstream loaches, and other small, peaceful fish are good tankmates for the Red Lipstick Goby.  Due to its small size, it can be kept with most other peaceful fish and larger invertebrates that are too large to be considered prey.  Peaceful bottom-dwelling fish are also a possibility in a large enough tank, but care must be taken to ensure that the Red Lipstick Goby is not outcompeted for food and space.  The Red Lipstick  Goby can be somewhat territorial, especially smaller tanks, so it may occasionally bully other passive, slow-moving bottom-dwellers if space is limited.

About This Fish:

** Beautiful bright red/yellow coloration in dominant males

** Peaceful disposition with fish and peaceful invertebrates too 

    large to be considered prey

** Interesting social behavior when kept in colonies

** Very active with lots of personality