Ultimate Dragon Goby 101: Care, Look, Food & All

The Dragon Goby is a popular fish species that is easy to maintain. They like to swim in floating plants, so the tank should be decorated with live or plastic plants.

This fish can also tolerate slower-moving water than many other freshwater tropical fishes, and it’s not too shy about accepting food at the water’s surface.

These small, meat-eating fish are found in slow-moving streams and ponds in Africa and Asia. They use their long, continuous dorsal fins to help them “walk” on the bottom of their habitats for food.

This article will provide you with all the information you need about the Dragon Goby so that you can care for it in its natural environment.

So, if you are interested in keeping a Dragon Goby as a pet, read on to learn more about this fascinating fish species.

Species Summary

Scientific name:	Gobioides Broussonnetii
Common names:	Dragon Goby, Dragon Fish, Dragon Eel
Family:	Gobiidae
Size:	Up to 24 inches
Life expectancy:	Up to 10 years
Habitat:	Africa and Asia
Minimum tank size:	30 gallons
Tank type:	Freshwater
Water temperature:	72°-82°F
pH range:	6.5 – 8.5
Specific gravity:	1.006 – 1.008
Water hardness:	10-20 dKH
Water type:	Soft to medium
Activity level:	High
Swimming level:	Mid-level
Sociability:	solitary or in pairs
Temperament:	Aggressive
Compatibility:	Medium-sized, brackish water fish
Tankmates:	Must be kept with other aggressive fish
Breeding:	Difficult
Care level:	Intermediate
Diet:	Carnivore, insectivore

They are also known as the Violet Goby because of their unique coloration. It is also sometimes called the Dragon Fish or Dragon Eel. This freshwater fish is native to Africa and Asia and can be found in slow-moving streams and ponds. The Dragon Goby gets its name from its long, continuous dorsal fin, which gives it the appearance of a dragon.

The Dragon Goby is a brackish fish that can tolerate fresh and saltwater. However, it is essential to note that the Dragon Goby is not a true eel, despite its common name. The Dragon Goby is a member of the goby family, including over 2,000 different fish species.

Possibly because they require a fair amount of care, it is not very common fish in the aquarium trade. However, those interested in keeping this unique fish as a pet will be rewarded with a beautiful, active addition to their tank.

Expect to pay between $10 – $15 for a Dragon Goby for your aquarium. It is always best to purchase your fish from a reputable dealer to ensure you get healthy, well-cared-for fish.

Dragon Goby Appearance

The Dragon Goby is a unique-looking fish with a long, continuous dorsal fin. This fin extends from the back of the head to the tail. The dorsal fin gives the Dragon Goby its common name, giving the fish the appearance of a dragon.

Their body is long and slender, with small mouth with sharp teeth. The teeth are used for grasping and crushing prey. The Dragon Goby’s eyes are large and protrude from the top of its head.

Its eyes are tiny about its body size, which is common among fish that live in murky waters. The Dragon Goby’s eyes help it see prey hiding in the mud at the bottom of streams and ponds.

The Dragon Goby is typically a brown or olive color, with a lighter belly. However, some Dragon Gobies can also be violet in color. This is why the Dragon Goby is sometimes called the Violet Goby.

Initially, you may be unable to differentiate between the fins and the fish’s body. However, upon closer inspection, you will notice that the fins are transparent and have a purple tint. Their scales are large and rough, giving the fish tough skin. The scales on the belly of the Dragon Goby are smaller than those on its back.

This fish also has two barbels, or whiskers, on each side of its mouth. These barbels help the Dragon Goby find food in murky waters. The ventral fins are visible on the Dragon Goby, just behind the gills. These fins help the fish swim and keep itself upright in the water.

Male and female Dragon Gobies look almost identical, making it difficult to tell them apart. However, the males are usually slightly larger than the females.

Dragon Goby Size & Growth Rate

They can grow up to 24 inches long, making them one of the larger freshwater fish. However, most Dragon Gobies kept as pets only grow about 12 inches long.

This fish has a relatively fast growth rate and can reach its full size within a year or two.

However, their growth rate will depend on several factors, including diet, water quality, and tank size.

Dragon Goby Lifespan

The Dragon Goby has a lifespan of up to 10 years, although the average lifespan is closer to 5 years.

Like most fish, their diet, water quality, and tank size will significantly affect their lifespan.

Dragon Goby Behavior & Temperament

The Dragon Goby is a peaceful and easy-to-care-for fish. They are a good choice for beginners and make a great addition to most community tanks.

They are bottom-dwelling fish and will spend most of their time near the substrate. They prefer to live in groups and do best when kept in tanks with at least five other fish.

It looks incredibly fierce, hauling from the ocean’s deep waters, but it is pretty gentle. The Dragon Goby is an active fish swimming around the tank for food. They are not known as jumpers and are unlikely to jump out of your tank.

They are peaceful fish and will get along with most other fish. However, they may be bullied by more extensive or more aggressive fish.

They do not have good vision but a keen sense of smell. This helps them to find food and to avoid predators. They are not known to be fin nippers and are unlikely to damage other fish’s fins.

Dragon Goby Breeding

For breeding, first, you must differentiate between a male and a female Dragon Goby. The easiest way to do this is by their size, as females are usually much more significant than males. Another method is examining the first dorsal fin; in males, it will be longer and pointier, while in females, it will be shorter and rounder.

The next step is to set up a breeding tank; this should be at least 30 gallons filled with soft water. The tank should also have plenty of hiding places for the parents and fry(baby fish). Adding some live plants to the tank is also recommended, as the fry often hides amongst them.

Once your breeding tank is set up, you can add your chosen pair of dragon gobies. It is best to add the female first and then introduce the male a few days later.

Once the pair has been introduced, they usually start mating within a week. The female will lay her eggs on a smooth surface like a rock or driftwood. After she has laid her eggs, the male will then fertilize them.

The eggs will hatch after 5-7 days, and the fry will be free-swimming a few days later. At this point, you can start feeding them small live foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia.

The fry will proliferate and should be large enough to be moved to a grow-out tank within two months.

Now that you know how to breed dragon gobies, you can enjoy watching them raise their young in your home.

Dragon Goby Care

Caring for your Dragon Goby is not as difficult as it might first appear. These fish are pretty hardy and can tolerate various water conditions. However, there are still some things that you need to do to ensure that your Dragon Goby is healthy and happy.

Here are some tips for caring for your Dragon Goby:

Dragon Goby Tank Size

Like most aquarium fish, the Dragon Goby needs a tank of at least 30 gallons. However, because of their large size and active nature, keeping them in 50 gallons or larger tanks is best.

You will need an even larger tank if you keep more than one Dragon Goby. It is best to have at least 50 gallons for each fish.

The Dragon Goby is a bottom-dwelling fish, so you must provide plenty of hiding places. Driftwood, rocks, and caves are all excellent options. Be sure to leave plenty of open space for the fish to swim.

Dragon Goby Water Parameters

Dragon Gobies are not particularly picky when it comes to water conditions. They can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. However, it is still essential to maintain good water quality in your tank.

The ideal water temperature for Dragon Gobies is 72° to 82°F. The pH level should be between 6.5 to 8.5, and the hardness should be 10 to 20 dKH.

The water hardness is significant for Dragon Gobies. These fish come from very soft waters and are not used to high hardness levels. If the water in your tank is too hard, it can cause health problems for your Dragon Goby.

To maintain good water quality, you must do a partial water change of 20-30% once a week. Be sure to use a good aquarium filter and vacuum the gravel to remove waste.

If you are keeping more than one Dragon Goby, having a larger tank with a sand substrate is best. This will help keep the water clean and give the fish a place to burrow.

Dragon Goby Filtration

Dragon Gobies are not particularly messy fish, but they produce a fair amount of waste. For this reason, having a good filter in your tank is essential. A good filter will help keep the water clean and remove waste products from your Dragon Goby.

There are various filters on the market, so you must choose one appropriate for your tank size. A good rule of thumb is to select a filter rated twice your tank’s size. For example, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you should choose a filter rated for at least 50 gallons.

Having more than one type of filter in your tank is also a good idea. This will provide your Dragon Goby with the best possible filtration and help keep the water cleaner for extended periods.

Some recommended filters for Dragon Gobies are:

Canister filters are large and powerful, making them ideal for larger tanks. They are also very efficient at removing waste from the water.
Power filters: These filters are smaller and less expensive than canister filters, making them a good option for smaller tanks. They are not as efficient as canister filters, but they will still do an excellent job keeping the water clean.
Undergravel filters are hidden beneath the gravel at the bottom of your tank. They are very efficient at removing waste from the water, but they can be challenging to clean.

Be sure to clean your filter regularly, as dirty filters can lead to poor water quality and sick fish.

Heating

Dragon Gobies come from warm waters, so they need a heater in their tank. The ideal water temperature for these fish is 72° to 82°Fahrenheit.

You will need to choose a heater that is appropriate for the size of your tank. A good rule of thumb is to choose a heater rated for at least twice the size of your tank.

Some recommended heaters for Dragon Gobies are:

Submersible heaters: These are placed in the tank and can be hidden from view. They are more efficient at heating the water and less likely to break than other heaters.
Glass aquarium heaters: These heaters are placed outside the tank. They are not as efficient as submersible heaters, but they are less expensive.

Be sure to monitor the water temperature carefully, as too much or too little heat can harm your fish.

Plants

Dragon Gobies are not particularly demanding of plants but prefer live plants over fake ones. Live plants help keep the water clean and give your fish a hiding place.

Some recommended plants for Dragon Gobies are:

Java fern: This plant is straightforward to care for and can tolerate many water conditions. It is a good choice for beginners.
Java moss: This plant is also straightforward to care for and can tolerate various water conditions. It is a good choice for beginners.
Anubias: This plant is a little more challenging to care for than the previous two, but it is still suitable for beginners.

Be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the size of your tank. Larger tanks can accommodate more plants than smaller tanks.

Lighting

Dragon Gobies do not require special lighting but prefer dimmer lights. Fluorescent bulbs are a good choice for these fish.

Be sure to provide your plants with the appropriate amount of light. Too much light can cause algae to grow in your tank.

Some recommended lights for Dragon Gobies are:

Fluorescent bulbs: These bulbs come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They emit a soft, white light that is perfect for Dragon Gobies.
LED lights are more expensive than fluorescent bulbs, but they last longer and use less energy. They emit a bright, white light that can be too intense for some fish.

Be sure to experiment with different types of lighting to see what your fish prefer.

Gravel

Dragon Gobies are not particularly picky when it comes to gravel, but they do prefer dark colors. Black or dark blue gravel is a good choice for these fish.

Be sure to choose gravel that is appropriate for the size of your tank. Larger tanks can accommodate more gravel than smaller tanks.

Co2 Systems

Dragon Gobies do not require a co2 system but will benefit from one. A co2 system will help keep the water clean and give your plants the nutrients they need to grow.

Some recommended co2 systems for Dragon Gobies are:

Aquarium CO2 Kits: These kits have everything you need to set up a co2 system in your tank. They are a good choice for beginners.
DIY CO2 Systems: These systems are less expensive than aquarium kits but can be more challenging. They are a good choice for experienced hobbyists.

Water Conditioners

Dragon Gobies are not particularly picky regarding water conditioners but prefer products designed for freshwater aquariums. Some recommended water conditioners for Dragon Gobies are:

Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater Conditioner: This product is designed specifically for freshwater aquariums. It is a good choice for Dragon Gobies.
Seachem Prime Freshwater Conditioner: This product is designed specifically for freshwater aquariums. It is a good choice for Dragon Gobies.

Be sure to choose a water conditioner that is appropriate for the size of your tank. Larger tanks will require more water conditioners than smaller tanks.

Substrate

Dragon Gobies are not particularly picky regarding the substrate but prefer dark colors. A Black or dark blue substrate is a good choice for these fish.

Be sure to choose a substrate that is appropriate for the size of your tank. Larger tanks can accommodate more substrate than smaller tanks.

Some recommended substrates for Dragon Gobies are:

Aquarium Sand: This substrate is perfect for Dragon Gobies. It is available in a variety of colors, including black and blue.
Aquarium Rocks: This substrate is also perfect for Dragon Gobies. It is available in a variety of colors, including black and blue.

Decorations

Decorations are not required for Dragon Gobies, but they can help to make your tank more attractive.

Some recommended decorations for Dragon Gobies are:

Aquarium Fake Plants: These plants are perfect for Dragon Gobies. They are available in a variety of colors, including black and blue.
Aquarium Driftwood: Driftwood can help to create a natural environment for your fish. It also provides your fish with hiding places and oxygenates the water.

Other Tank Accessories

A few other tank accessories are required for Dragon Gobies, but a few can be helpful.

Some recommended tank accessories for Dragon Gobies are:

Aquarium Thermometer: This device measures the temperature of your tank water. It is a good choice for all fish, including Dragon Gobies.
Air Pump: This device is used to oxygenate the water in your tank. It is a good choice for all fish, including Dragon Gobies.
pH Meter: This device measures the acidity of your tank water. It is a good choice for all fish, including Dragon Gobies.

Be sure to choose tank accessories that are appropriate for the size of your tank. Larger tanks will require more tank accessories than smaller tanks.

Water Changes

Water changes are an essential part of keeping your Dragon Gobies healthy. Be sure to perform a water change at least once a week.

First, we must remove the water from the tank to change the water. The easiest way is with a Python No Spill Clean and Fill system. This system attaches to your faucet and drains the water from your tank.

Once the water has been removed from the tank, you can add fresh water. Be sure to use a water conditioner like Seachem Prime to remove toxins.

After adding the water, you can put the decorations and substrate back into the tank.

Cleaning The Tank

In addition to water changes, you will also need to clean the tank regularly. Be sure to clean the tank at least once a month.

To clean the tank, follow these steps:

Remove all fish from the tank.
Remove all decorations from the tank.
Drain the water from the tank.
Clean the tank with a bar of mild soap and a soft cloth.
Rinse the tank well with clean water.
Refill the tank with fresh water.
Replace the decorations in the tank.
Add the fish back to the tank.

Cleaning The Filter

The filter is essential to your tank and should be cleaned regularly. Be sure to clean the filter at least once a month.

To clean the filter, follow these steps:

Remove the filter from the tank.
Disassemble the filter and remove the media.
Rinse the filter media in clean water.
Assemble the filter and return it to the tank.

Testing The Water

It is essential to test the water in your tank regularly. Be sure to test the water at least once a week.

To test the water, follow these steps:

Fill a clean cup with tank water.
Add the testing strips to the water and swirl them around.
Compare the colors on the testing strips to the chart included with the strips.
Record the results of the test.

Dragon Goby Common Possible Diseases

There are a few diseases that Dragon Gobies are susceptible to.

Some of these diseases include:

Fin Rot: A bacterial infection causes this disease. Symptoms of fin rot include fraying or rotting fins.
Columnaris: A bacterial infection causes this disease. Symptoms of columnaris include open sores and fraying fins.
Gill Flukes: A parasitic infection causes this disease. Symptoms of gill flukes include gasping for air and increased mucus production.

If you notice these symptoms in your fish, take them to the veterinarian for treatment.

Dragon Goby Preventing Diseases

The best way to prevent diseases is to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your fish. Be sure to perform regular water changes and cleanings, and test the water regularly. You should also quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank.

Also, be sure to provide your fish with a healthy diet. A good diet will help keep your fish solid and disease-resistant.

Dragon Goby Treatment And Medications Of Diseases

If you notice any disease symptoms in your fish, you should take them to the vet for treatment. The veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate medication for your fish.

Some common medications used to treat fish diseases include:

Metronidazole: This medication treats infections caused by bacteria and parasites.
Kanamycin: This medication is used to treat infections caused by bacteria.
Nitrofurazone: This medication treats infections caused by bacteria and parasites.
Praziquantel: This medication is used to treat infections caused by parasites.

Ask your veterinarian if you have any questions about the medications used to treat fish diseases.

Dragon Goby Food & Diet

The Dragon Goby is a scavenging omnivore that accepts most sinking pellets, refined foods, frozen/defrosted foods, and live foods.

To provide a well-rounded diet, we recommend feeding various foods. A good diet for the Dragon Goby includes:

Sinking pellets: Choose a high-quality pellet made for omnivores.
Fine food: Choose fine food that is high-quality and made for omnivores.
Frozen/defrosted foods: Offer a variety of frozen/defrosted foods, including bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Live foods: Offer a variety of live foods, including blackworms, bloodworms, and brine shrimp.

To keep your Dragon Goby healthy, it is essential to provide a varied diet. A good diet will help keep your fish solid and disease-resistant.

Dragon Goby Diet Foods To Avoid

There are a few foods that you should avoid feeding your Dragon Goby.

Some of these foods include:

Raw chicken or beef: These meats can contain bacteria that harm your fish.
Processed meats can contain chemicals and preservatives that can harm your fish.
Table scraps can contain harmful bacteria or chemicals that can harm your fish.
Dairy products: These products can contain toxins that can harm your fish. To keep your Dragon Goby healthy, it is essential to avoid these foods.

Dragon Goby Feeding Schedule

The Dragon Goby should be fed two to three times a day. Feedings should be small and frequent rather than large and infrequent. Take care not to overfeed your fish, which can lead to health problems.

Also, remove any uneaten food from the tank after each feeding. Uneaten food can decay and cause water quality issues.

Your Dragon Goby will stay healthy and happy if you follow a regular feeding schedule.

Dragon Goby Tank Mates

The Dragon Goby can turn aggressive when kept with the wrong tank mates. They are known to be bullies and will harass other fish.

The Dragon Goby is best kept with other peaceful fish that are similar in size.

Some good tank mates for the Dragon Goby include:

Avoid keeping the Dragon Goby with larger or more aggressive fish. These fish may bully or harass the Dragon Goby and cause them stress.

Fish To Avoid

These fish are too large or aggressive to be kept with them.

Advantages Of Having Dragon Goby In Your Tank

The first advantage of having them in your tank is that they are beautiful fish. They have a unique appearance that will stand out in any aquarium.

Another advantage is that they are peaceful fish. They will not bother other fish in your tank and are unlikely to damage the fins of other fish.

The Dragon Goby is also a good beginner fish. They are not difficult to care for and are relatively hardy.

They are also active fish and swim around the tank for food. This makes them fun to watch and provides entertainment for you and your family.

Disadvantages Of Having Dragon Goby In Your Tank

The first disadvantage is that they are known to be bullies. They may harass other fish in your tank and cause them stress.

The second disadvantage is that they are not good swimmers. They may struggle to compete for food with other fish in your tank.

Another disadvantage is that they are not very tolerant of changes in water conditions. They may become stressed if the water quality in your tank deteriorates.

Wrapping Up

As you can see, keeping Dragon Gobies in your home aquarium has advantages and disadvantages. They are beautiful fish that can add interest and activity to your tank.

However, they may also cause stress to other fish in your tank and are not good swimmers. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to keep them in your tank is up to you.

I hope this article has helped you to understand these fascinating fish better. Thanks for reading!

Ultimate Dragon Goby 101: Care, Look, Food & All | 2024

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