Chinese mandarin goby
Sineleotris saccharae
Also known as Sineleotris saccaharae, Mandarin sleeper
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 61–75°F
- 16–24°C
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 3.9 in
- 10 cm
- Minimum tank
- 30 gal
- 112 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Odontobutidae
- Origin
- Coastal streams of southern China
Overview
The Chinese mandarin goby is a coolwater ambush fish that sits on the bottom of an unheated tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.
Did you know
The Chinese mandarin goby is not really a goby at all. It hunts by ambush rather than perching and hopping like a true goby.
Caring for the Chinese mandarin goby
Give the Chinese mandarin goby a tank of at least 30 gal (112 L), unheated or cool. Build a bottom of sand and rounded stone, with caves, rock gaps and driftwood. Shaded hollows give it ambush cover and resting spots to claim.
Keep the water at 61 to 75°F (16 to 24°C), with a neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It sits still on the bottom among stones and caves for long stretches, then lunges at passing food. Feed meaty foods it can be tempted to take, such as frozen bloodworm, blackworm, chopped prawn and small sinking pellets.
It is best kept singly, or with tank mates chosen carefully. Anything small enough to swallow is at risk, including shrimp and slim fish. Pick calm, sturdy tank mates too large to be eaten. Males guard the eggs, which are laid in a sheltered spot, and breeding it is of moderate difficulty.
Good to know
Sineleotris saccharae belongs to the freshwater sleeper family, Odontobutidae, a group found only in East Asia. Sleepers take their name from lying still, then striking at prey in a blur.
In the wild
The Chinese mandarin goby comes from cool, clear coastal streams in southern China. It lies among stones and crevices in flowing water.
Common questions
What size tank does a Chinese mandarin goby need?
A Chinese mandarin goby needs at least 30 gal (112 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Chinese mandarin goby need?
A Chinese mandarin goby is comfortable at 61–75°F (16–24°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.
What does a Chinese mandarin goby eat?
A Chinese mandarin goby eats meaty foods, such as frozen bloodworm, blackworm, chopped prawn and small sinking pellets. It sits still on the bottom and lunges at food that passes.
How big does a Chinese mandarin goby get?
An adult Chinese mandarin goby reaches about 3.9 in (10 cm).
How does a Chinese mandarin goby breed?
Chinese mandarin goby males guard eggs laid in a sheltered spot. Breeding them is of moderate difficulty.
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