Dwarf Bumble Bee Goby Brach. ocelot M-1.5

Dwarf Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius sp. “Ocelot”)

The Dwarf Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius sp. “Ocelot”) is a stunning freshwater nano fish admired for its bold black and golden-yellow markings that resemble a bumblebee. Native to Southeast Asia, this peaceful little goby is perfect for well-planted aquariums where it can perch on rocks, driftwood and plant leaves while exploring its surroundings.

Although small in size, these gobies are full of personality. They are best kept in groups with plenty of hiding places, making them a fascinating addition to peaceful community aquariums with other small fish.

Features

• Scientific Name: Brachygobius sp. “Ocelot”
• Common Name: Dwarf Bumblebee Goby
• Adult Size: Up to 3 cm (1.2”)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, with mild territorial behaviour between males
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Diet: Carnivorous

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• GH: 4–12 dGH
• Water Type: Freshwater

Why You’ll Love Them

• Eye-catching black and yellow colouration
• Ideal for planted nano aquariums
• Unique perching and hunting behaviour
• Peaceful with other small community fish
• Great conversation piece due to their distinctive appearance

Diet

Dwarf Bumblebee Gobies are carnivores and thrive on a varied diet of frozen and live foods including:

• Baby Brine Shrimp
• Bloodworms
• Daphnia
• Blackworms
• Mosquito Larvae

Many individuals can also be trained to accept high-quality micro pellets and frozen foods over time.

Compatible Plants

These gobies appreciate heavily planted aquariums with shaded areas and plenty of cover. Suitable plants include:

• Java Moss
• Java Fern
• Anubias Nana
• Bucephalandra
• Cryptocoryne
• Floating plants such as Salvinia or Frogbit

Browse our full range of live aquarium plants to create the perfect habitat.

Recommended Products

To help your Dwarf Bumblebee Gobies thrive, we recommend:

• Premium Tropical Micro Pellets
• Frozen Bloodworms or Baby Brine Shrimp
• Quality Water Conditioner
• API Freshwater Master Test Kit

Care Guide

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 litres (10 gallons)
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
• Aquascape: Driftwood, rocks, caves and dense planting
• Filtration: Gentle water flow with efficient biological filtration
• Water Changes: 20–30% weekly
• Group Size: Best kept in groups of 6 or more

Compatible Tank Mates

Suitable companions include:

• Chili Rasboras
• Ember Tetras
• Celestial Pearl Danios (CPDs)
• Pygmy Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Kuhli Loaches
• Adult Amano Shrimp

Avoid housing them with large, aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dwarf Bumblebee Gobies suitable for beginners?

They are best suited to aquarists with some experience, as they prefer stable water conditions and often require frozen or live foods.

How many should I keep?

A group of at least six allows them to display more natural behaviours and helps spread out any minor territorial disputes.

Do they need salt or brackish water?

No. Brachygobius sp. “Ocelot” is a freshwater species and thrives in a well-maintained freshwater planted aquarium.

Can they be bred in aquariums?

Yes. With excellent water quality, caves or crevices for spawning, and a protein-rich diet, breeding is possible in the home aquarium.

Will they eat dry food?

Some individuals readily accept quality micro pellets, while others may initially prefer frozen or live foods before transitioning to prepared diets.