Goby | All about this perch-like goby fishing!

All about the goby and what kind of fish this is. In fact, there are 2 species of gobies, but in this blog I will tell you more about the "real" goby, at least, that's how it is often called. Read on and find out all about this pond fish!

All about the goby

• What kind of fish is the goby?
• Can the goby live together in groups?
• Is the goby suitable for the pond?
• Are gobies and pond plants a good combination?
• What do gobies eat?

What kind of fish is the goby?

A goby, or a Gobiidae, is a freshwater fish commonly found in ponds. Gobies are relatives of the perch-like fish, making it one of the largest fish families. The fish looks impressive up close, which is why you may be surprised to learn that these fish grow to an average length of only 10 centimeters. Gobies have a narrow and long body and are usually brown in color with some yellow and sometimes black. The fins of the goby are often spiny and somewhat lighter in color. Because of the spiny fins, the fish is often thought to sting, but you need not be afraid of this, as it does not. There is also another fish called goby, which is a small freshwater fish originally belonging to the carp family. This little fish has a thick head and 2 mature pectoral fins. But I am going to talk about the "real" goby: "the Gobiimae".

Are gobies and pond plants a good combination?

Yes, gobies can be placed in a pond with aquatic plants. They are likely to use the pond plants as a shelter and food source. However, it is important to ensure that there is enough space in the pond for the gobies to move freely and provide adequate hiding places for them. Excessive planting can also lead to poor water quality, so make sure the ratio of aquatic plants to water surface area is balanced.

Can the goby live together in groups?

Gobies can live well with other fish, provided they are kept with suitable conspecifics. It is very important to keep fish together that have similar water conditions and lifestyles and that are not aggressive towards each other. In addition, there should be sufficient space in the pond so that all fish have plenty of hiding places and food and do not have to compete with each other over this.

What do gobies eat?

Gobies get the name "algae eaters" from many people. But gobies are actually not algae eaters at all, but then where does the confusion come from you will probably think. Well, the goby looks for its food at the bottom of the pond among the algae. This is why many people think the goby eats algae. But what it actually does is look for small aquatic insects, worms and snails, which it is only too happy to eat! But the goby is an omnivore and not an algae-eater... It may occasionally pick up some algae, but this is not its main source of nutrition. Make sure the goby is fed daily with fish food that contains sufficient vitamins and minerals.

Is the goby suitable for the pond?

Yes, gobies are suitable for a pond. They are persistent swimmers and can adapt to different water conditions. However, it is important to make sure that the water quality, i.e. PH value, GH value and KH value and the temperature of the pond are suitable for gobies before placing them in the pond. They need water temperatures between 12-20°C. It is important to keep the temperature constant and not let it fluctuate, as this can cause stress to the fish. You do not need to check the water quality if the pond is set up correctly. 

Frequently asked questions about gobies