Dragon Goby
Gobioides broussonnetii
Family: Gobiidae • Origin: Various
Dragon Goby (Gobioides broussonnetii) is a peaceful other reaching 15 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank: 125 gallons.
Is Dragon Goby Right for Your Tank?
Dragon Goby is a moderate-care fish rated "advanced" (3/5). Suitable for hobbyists with some experience who can maintain stable water parameters. At 125+ gallons minimum, these are large-tank fish. Make sure you have the space and filtration before committing.
With a peaceful temperament, Dragon Goby makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. Expected lifespan: 18 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Dragon Goby
Relying on a heater without a thermometer
Dragon Goby needs 72–82°F. Heaters malfunction or drift over time — always use a separate thermometer to verify. Temperature swings of even 3–4°F can trigger stress and disease, particularly ich.
Putting them in a tank under 125 gallons
Many beginners underestimate tank size needs. Dragon Goby requires at least 125 gallons — ideally 188. Cramped tanks lead to stunted growth, aggression, and poor water quality.
Skipping the quarantine period
Even healthy-looking fish can carry parasites or disease. Quarantine new Dragon Goby for 2–4 weeks in a separate tank before adding to your main aquarium.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 15"
- • Temp: 72-82°F
- • pH: 7-8.5
- • Can be kept alone
- • peaceful temperament
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet for Gobiidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Gobiidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 125 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 188 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 72–82°F
- pH Range
- 7–8.5
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Aggression Level
- 1/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- No
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- fast
Typical peaceful Gobiidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 18 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Black Neon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi
Serpae Tetra
Hyphessobrycon eques
Black Skirt Tetra
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Betta Fish
Betta splendens
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
Similar Species
Rope Fish
Erpetoichthys calabaricus
Violet Goby
Gobioides broussonnetii
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Fire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia