Goby Cichlid
Spathodus erythrodon
Family: Cichlidae • Origin: Various
Goby Cichlid (Spathodus erythrodon) is a semi-aggressive cichlid reaching 3 inches. Can be kept singly. Minimum tank: 10 gallons.
Is Goby Cichlid Right for Your Tank?
Goby Cichlid is a moderate-care fish rated "advanced" (3/5). Suitable for hobbyists with some experience who can maintain stable water parameters. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.
Goby Cichlid is semi-aggressive — they can live with others but may bully smaller or slower fish. Choose tank mates carefully. They are territorial — provide adequate hiding spots and maintain enough space to reduce aggression. Expected lifespan: 4 years with proper care.
Common Mistakes with Goby Cichlid
Relying on a heater without a thermometer
Goby Cichlid needs 75–82°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 10 gallons
While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.
Housing with peaceful nano fish
Goby Cichlid is semi-aggressive and territorial — small, peaceful species like neon tetras, endlers, or celestial pearl danios will be stressed, bullied, or eaten. Choose tank mates that can hold their own.
Care Tips
- • Max size: 3"
- • Temp: 75-82°F
- • pH: 8-9
- • Can be kept alone
- • semi-aggressive temperament
Feeding: Standard omnivore diet for Cichlidae.
Compatibility Notes: Typical semi-aggressive Cichlidae species.
Tank Setup & Water Parameters
Tank Requirements
- Minimum Tank Size
- 10 gallons
- Recommended Tank Size
- 15 gallons
- Swimming Level
- bottom
Water Parameters
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- pH Range
- 8–9
- Hardness (dGH)
- 5–15
- Water Type
- freshwater
Behavior & Temperament
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive
- Aggression Level
- 3/5
- Schooling
- No
- Territorial
- Yes
- Fin Nipper
- No
- Predatory
- No
- Diet Type
- omnivore
- Growth Rate
- moderate
Typical semi-aggressive Cichlidae species.
Breeding
- Breeding Type
- egg layer
- Breeding Difficulty
- difficult
- Lifespan
- 4 years
Ideal For
Compatible Tank Mates
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Molly
Poecilia sphenops
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Nerite Snail
Neritina natalensis
African Cichlid (Mbuna)
Pseudotropheus sp.
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Balloon Molly
Poecilia sphenops var.
Similar Species
Nanochromis Parilus
Nanochromis parilus
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Apistogramma hongsloi
Apistogramma Trifasciata
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Apistogramma Panduro
Apistogramma panduro