Bumblebee Goby: Tank Size, Tank Mates & How Many to Keep

What size tank do bumblebee gobies need?

At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Brachygobius doriae.

How many bumblebee gobies in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if bumblebee gobies are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

Tank	How many bumblebee gobies
5 gallon	Too small
10 gallon	6
20 gallon long	up to 11
29 gallon	up to 16
40 gallon breeder	up to 22
55 gallon	up to 31
75 gallon	up to 43
125 gallon	60 or more

Check bumblebee gobies against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, bumblebee gobies hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Adults do best in slightly salty (brackish) water, which most community fish and plants cannot take.

Tank mates for bumblebee gobies

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
Oscar: Oscar (about 12 in) can eat bumblebee goby (about 1.6 in).

Questions and answers

What size tank do bumblebee gobies need?

At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many bumblebee gobies should be kept together?

At least 6. Bumblebee gobies are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can bumblebee gobies live in a 10 gallon tank?

Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries 6 as the only fish in the tank.

What temperature do bumblebee gobies need?

72–84 °F (22–29 °C), with a pH of 7–8.5. In most homes that means a heater.

Can bumblebee gobies live with a betta?

Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.