Goby Bumblebee Burmese Spotted (Brachygobius Xanthozonus)

Burmese Spotted Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius xanthozonus)

The Burmese Spotted Bumblebee Goby is a small but bold bottom-dweller characterized by its striking black and yellow-orange vertical bands. Unlike the more common B. doriae, the B. xanthozonus features a more "spotted" or broken pattern on its bands. These gobies are famous for their "grumpy" facial expressions and their habit of "hopping" along the substrate or sticking to the glass with their fused pelvic fins. They are full of personality and make a wonderful addition to a specialized small-scale setup.

Key Information

• Common Name: Burmese Spotted Bumblebee Goby

• Scientific Name: Brachygobius xanthozonus

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand)

• Max Size: 3.5–4 cm (Tiny!)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful but territorial with their own kind.

• Diet: Carnivore – Picky eaters. They usually refuse dry flakes. Requires live or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

• Care Level: Moderate (Due to feeding and water needs)

Water Parameters

Parameter	Value
Temperature:	22–28°C
pH:	7.0–8.5
Hardness:	10–20 dGH
Salinity:	Prefers low-end Brackish (1.002–1.005 SG)
Minimum Tank Size:	40L+

Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

Bumblebee Gobies are "sit-and-wait" predators that claim small territories, usually a specific cave or shell. They can be a bit "nippy" toward each other, so it is best to keep them in a group of 6 or more to disperse aggression. Ideal tank mates include other small brackish species like Mollies, Knight Gobies, or Celebes Rainbowfish. Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that might mistake them for food.

Ideal Tank Setup

• Caves and Hiding Spots: Critical. Use small ceramic pipes, coconut shells, or rock piles. Each goby will want its own little "house."

• Sandy Substrate: Soft sand is best for their delicate undersides.

• Low Flow: They are not strong swimmers and prefer areas with gentle water movement.

• Hard/Brackish Water: While they can survive in hard freshwater for a time, they are much healthier and more colorful in slightly salty (brackish) water.

• Plants: Use salt-tolerant plants like Java Fern or Anubias if you are keeping them in a brackish setup.

Why Choose the Burmese Spotted Bumblebee Goby?

The Bumblebee Goby is for the hobbyist who loves "nano" fish with big attitudes. Their distinct color pattern and hovering swimming style make them a joy to observe. They turn a small, neglected corner of the aquarium into a buzzing hub of activity. If you are willing to provide them with frozen foods and a little salt, they are one of the most rewarding small fish in the hobby.