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The Scarlet Goby, or Rhinogobius zhoui, is a small freshwater goby valued for its red coloration and lively behavior. Native to southern China, it inhabits clear, well-oxygenated and generally shallow streams, where it stays close to rocks and gravel. Its small size, active temperament and stream-dwelling requirements make it an interesting choice for a specialized aquarium. This species remains fairly uncommon in the hobby. The specimens offered by Ton.Fish are wild collected and available exclusively from Ton.Fish in Canada.

General species description

Rhinogobius zhoui is a small rheophilic goby adapted to flowing water. It spends much of its time resting on the substrate before making short, quick movements between rocks. Males become especially colorful when defending a small shelter or courting a female. In an aquarium, it benefits from highly oxygenated water, efficient filtration and a layout containing several refuges. It can be kept as a pair or in a small group in a mature aquarium, provided competition for shelters is limited. Despite its delicate appearance, it is reasonably hardy when water quality remains stable.

Geographic origin and biotope

Country: China. The species is associated with southern China, in the Xijiang basin and tributaries of the Guangxi region. It inhabits clear, cool to temperate streams and small rivers with moderate to strong flow and high oxygen levels. The bottom consists of gravel, pebbles and rocks, sometimes covered with a thin biofilm. Banks are generally bordered by dense riparian vegetation, while aquatic plants are less abundant in the fastest sections. In an aquarium, strong circulation and mineral surfaces help encourage natural behavior.

Precise locality and local name

Rhinogobius zhoui is associated with small tributaries of the Xijiang basin in Guangxi, southern China. Fish from this region are sometimes sold under the English name Scarlet Goby. A standardized Chinese vernacular name is not included here. As with many stream gobies, locality is important for preserving differences in coloration and behavior between populations. Wild specimens should therefore be acclimated gradually, especially after prolonged transport.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is short, elongated and slightly compressed, with a broad head and pectoral fins adapted to life near the bottom. Males usually show the strongest colors: a dark base enhanced by scarlet red on the body and fins, sometimes accompanied by bluish or yellow markings. The fins are well developed and help the fish stabilize itself on rocks. Coloration varies with mood, sex, hierarchy and surroundings. Its small adult size, generally around 4 cm, allows it to be kept in a modest-sized aquarium, provided the layout is appropriate.

General diet

In nature, Rhinogobius zhoui takes small invertebrates and other aquatic prey from gaps in the substrate. In an aquarium, it accepts frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms and daphnia. Small sinking carnivorous pellets may also be offered once the fish is feeding confidently. A varied diet given in small portions helps maintain condition and coloration. Wild specimens often respond best to a settling-in period with moving prey before gradually accepting prepared foods. The priority is a protein-rich diet without overfeeding.

Essential data

• River of origin: Xijiang basin
• Local name used: Scarlet Goby
• Origin of the scientific name: Rhinogobius is the genus name; zhoui is an honorific species name.
• Full-name etymology: Rhinogobius combines rhino, meaning nose, and gobius, goby; zhoui honors a person with the surname Zhou.
• Common/vernacular names: Scarlet Goby, scarlet goby
• Family: Gobiidae
• Subfamily: Gobiinae
• Name pronunciation: rye-no-go-bee-us - joe-oo-eye
• Discovery: Described during the twenty-first century by Chinese ichthyologists.
• Maximum adult size: About 4 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 20 to 25 °C; pH 7.0 to 8.2
• Stream appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear, oxygen-rich water, pebbles, rocks, gravel and dense riparian vegetation.
• Typical tankmates: Beaufortia leveretti, Yaoshania pachychilus, Pseudogastromyzon myersi, Tanichthys albonubes
• Temperament and behavior: Active, territorial around shelters and generally peaceful apart from competition between males.
• Water depth: Shallow to moderate, often near banks and rocky areas.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are more colorful; females are often rounder and less contrasting.
• Bottom structure and flow: Gravel and pebbles, stable rocks, moderate to strong current.

In your aquarium

Success depends on a mature, well-filtered and strongly oxygenated aquarium with steady flow, rounded stones and several shelters. Keep the temperature moderate, prevent waste accumulation and offer a varied meaty diet. Because these are wild-collected fish, careful acclimation and quarantine are especially important. Their availability is moderate to low, so their condition should be protected and overly boisterous tankmates avoided. This offer is exclusive to Ton.Fish in Canada.