Glass goby - Gobiopterus chuno
Scientific name: Gobiopterus chuno
Common name: Glass goby
Family: Gobiidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 2 - 3 cm (0.79 - 1.18 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South Asia
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Origin
The Glass goby inhabits waterways of Asia, they are mainly found in India, Bangladesh, Thailand and Singapore where they inhabit slow moving black water areas.
Short description
Glass goby are not that common in the aquarium hobby and can be very difficult to keep long term if not cared for properly. Their Latin name is Gobiopterus chuno and they belong to the family of Gobiidae. They are an extremely peaceful species that will co-inhabit with other peaceful species of a similar size and they display a beautiful silver colouration with darker finnage. The expected adult size for these fish is only 2 cm and as most specimens are wild caught you may have to pay slighter higher prices if you wish to purchase these fish.
Lifespan
The expected lifespan for the Glass goby is 3-5 years if cared for properly. As wild caught specimens are usually for sale there is no way of knowing the age of your fish when you purchase them.
General care
As these fish are wild caught specimens, always make sure that the aquarium is fully cycled before adding the Glass goby. They should only be housed with other species of fish that have the same requirements in water parameters and housekeeping. A sandy substrate is recommended and add aquarium plants but leave open swimming spaces, this can be achieved by planting at the sides and back of the aquarium. The water flow should be kept at a moderate pace by careful placing of the outlet nozzles from the aquarium filter.
The water temperature should be set between 23-26°C and keep the pH slightly acidic, a pH range of between 6.5- 7.0 is recommended. Regular water changes will be required on a weekly basis of at least 10% and the lighting should be set at a moderate level.
Live or frozen foods will need to be offered as commercial flake foods may not be accepted. Always remember that these fish have small mouths so the size of the food will need to be taken into consideration. Newly hatched brine shrimp or artemia are ideal but do not be tempted to overfeed, small meals twice a day is far better than one large meal once per day is the correct feeding method as any uneaten food will quickly decay and lower the water quality.
Sexing
Females tend to have a plumper body shape but sexing the Glass goby is extremely difficult and best left to the experts.
Breeding
As of yet there are no recorded reports of breeding the Glass goby in the aquarium. Very little is known about their breeding habits apart from the fact that they are egg scatterers which would imply that they would display no form of parental care.