Edit Rhinogobius formosanus

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Name

Scientific name

Rhinogobius formosanus

Described by

Authority Oshima, Year 1919

Family

Gobiidae

Common names

Not recorded

Photograph credits

All 10 credited

Summary

Rhinogobius formosanus is a goby endemic to river systems of northern and northeastern Taiwan. Previously considered a subspecies of R. nag…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

100mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 80 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Water movement High: fast-flowing river or riffle

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 18–28°C, pH 6–8

Hardness

2–15dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Territorial

Community suitability

Not for a community

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

China, Taiwan, Danshui, Marlian, Peishi, Wulaokun

Writing

Etymology

Rhinogobius: from the Greek rhinos, meaning 'nose', and the generic name Gobius. formosanus: named for 'Formosa', a historic name for the island of Taiwan.

Distribution

This species is endemic to river systems of northern and northeastern Taiwan. Type locality is 'Shinchiku, Taiwan', Shinchiku referring to a prefecture (admini…

Habitat

Not written yet

Aquarium size

An aquarium with base dimensions of 80 ∗ 30 cm is large enough to house a small group.

Maintenance

Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of va…

Not difficult to maintain under the correct conditions; we strongly recommend keeping it in a tank designed to simulate a flowing stream with a substrate of variably-sized rocks, sand, fine gravel, and some water-worn boulders.

This can be further furnished with driftwood branches, terracotta pipes, plant pots, etc., arranged to form a network of nooks, crannies, and shaded spots, thus providing broken lines of sight.

While the majority of aquatic plants will fail to thrive in such surroundings hardy types such as Microsorum, Bolbitis, or Anubias spp. can be grown attached to the décor.

Like many fishes that naturally inhabit running water it's intolerant to accumulation of organic pollutants and requires spotless water in order to thrive, thus weekly water changes of 30-50% tank volume should also be considered routine.

Though torrent-like conditions are unnecessary it does best if there is a high proportion of dissolved oxygen and some water movement in the tank meaning power filter(s), additional powerhead(s), or airstone(s) should be employed as necessary.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Water conditions

Not written yet

Diet

Rhinogobius spp. tend to be opportunistic carnivores feeding on a range of small invertebrates, crustaceans and similar in nature. In the aquarium they should …

Behaviour and compatibility

This is a robust species and can be aggressive at times but it can be kept in a community provided tankmates are chosen with care. Peaceful, pelagic species wh…

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males possess more extended dorsal and anal fins, a more intensive colour pattern, and grow larger than females. In gravid females the eggs are visible a…

Reproduction

Some wild populations of this species have evolved a complex amphidromous breeding strategy in which adults live and spawn in freshwater or brackish streams an…

Notes

R. formosanus was previously considered to be a subspecies of R. nagoyae but has generally been accepted as distinct since 2008. It can be told apart from othe…

References

3 on this profile

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References