Blue-spotted Goby Cichlid Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Blue-spotted Goby Cichlid is a distinctive Tanganyikan cichlid with a low, goby-like profile and large, expressive eyes. Its body is generally brownish, grey or olive, often marked with fine bars or mottling, while iridescent blue spots and highlights lend the species its common name. Colour intensity varies with mood, age, social status and water conditions.

Spathodus erythrodon is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It inhabits the rocky shoreline and shallow littoral zones of the lake, where clear, highly alkaline water washes over exposed rocks and algae-covered surfaces.

A pair or small social group should be provided with an aquarium of at least 120 litres, with a footprint around 120 cm long by 30 cm wide or larger; extra space is valuable because these cichlids defend rocky territories. Use a fine sandy substrate with numerous flat rocks, caves and crevices arranged to create separate visual barriers and grazing surfaces. Strong circulation, efficient filtration and some algae growth are useful, while open swimming space along the bottom should be retained. A secure lid is recommended, as goby cichlids can jump when startled.

Males can reach about 10 cm (4 in) in total length, while females are usually smaller at approximately 8 cm (3.1 in).

In nature, Blue-spotted Goby Cichlids graze aufwuchs from rocks, consuming algae, tiny invertebrates and other organisms within the biofilm. Offer a predominantly vegetable-based diet built around spirulina flakes, algae wafers and other quality herbivore foods, supplemented with small amounts of frozen or live foods such as mysis or baby brine shrimp. Avoid making rich, meaty foods the staple, as this species is adapted to grazing and can be prone to digestive problems when overfed animal protein.

Suitable tankmates include robust Lake Tanganyika cichlids that occupy different parts of the aquarium, such as some Julidochromis, Neolamprologus and moderately sized shell-dwelling species. Tankmates should share the need for hard, alkaline water and should not be excessively aggressive or large enough to intimidate them. Avoid mixing them with other goby cichlids or similarly shaped bottom-dwelling species, and do not combine them with peaceful community fish that require soft, acidic water.

Blue-spotted Goby Cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders that usually spawn on a rock or another hard surface. The pair court and lay a relatively small clutch of eggs, after which the female takes the fertilised eggs into her mouth and protects the developing young for around two to three weeks. She may continue to shelter the fry after release, and the young can be raised on newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered foods. Successful breeding is most likely with a compatible pair and excellent water quality.

Males are generally larger and may develop a broader head and stronger body colouration, particularly when defending a territory or courting. Females are typically smaller and rounder when carrying eggs or fry, although sexing young fish by appearance alone can be difficult.