{"product_id":"black-kumpay-stiphodon-goby","title":"Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Kumpay Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA rare freshwater Stiphodon goby with dark male coloration, metallic blue-green striping, and specialized algae-grazing behavior for mature river-style aquariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby, \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e, is a rare freshwater goby prized for its unusual dark body colour, metallic blue-green lateral stripe, and peaceful surface-grazing behavior.\n    It is also searched as Black Kumbai Goby, Blue Neon Goby, Freshwater Neon Goby, and \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This species is especially valuable for aquarists who enjoy rare gobies, hillstream-style fish, planted river aquariums, and peaceful algae-grazing livestock.\n    Mature males can develop a dark purple-black body with a bright metallic stripe, while females and juveniles are usually more subtle, patterned, or grey-brown.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Like other Stiphodon gobies, this is not a simple “cleanup fish.”\n    It is a specialized stream goby that needs clean water, high oxygenation, mature biofilm, smooth grazing surfaces, and regular supplemental feeding.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy this fish stands out\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRare freshwater Stiphodon goby\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAlso known as Black Kumpay Goby or Black Kumbai Goby\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMature males can show dark purple-black body colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMetallic blue-green stripe gives strong contrast under good lighting\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful algae and biofilm grazer\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eExcellent for mature planted tanks and river-style aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eGenerally safe with freshwater shrimp in suitable setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRare goby collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eStiphodon enthusiasts\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePlanted aquariums with mature biofilm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRiver-style aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eShrimp-safe community tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquarists looking for a rare algae-grazing fish that is not a pleco\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTopick Aquarium Insight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Gobies should be sold and kept as rare stream fish, not as ordinary algae eaters.\n    They graze constantly, but constant grazing does not always mean the fish is getting enough nutrition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The key to long-term success is body condition.\n    A healthy Stiphodon should have a full belly, strong grip, steady breathing, and active grazing behavior.\n    Thin or sunken individuals are often difficult to recover, even if algae is visible in the aquarium.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Mature aquariums with biofilm-covered stones, algae-based foods, and stable oxygen-rich water give this fish a much better chance than brand-new clean tanks with no natural grazing surface.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlack Kumpay vs Blue Neon Stiphodon Goby\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The name “Blue Neon Goby” is used loosely in the aquarium trade and can refer to different Stiphodon species.\n    \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e is often associated with a darker male body, metallic blue-green lateral stripe, and dusky to black dorsal fins.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Compared with \u003cem\u003eStiphodon semoni\u003c\/em\u003e, which is often sold as Blue Neon Stiphodon Goby or Cobalt Blue Goby, Black Kumpay Stiphodon is better marketed around its darker body tone and stronger black-purple contrast.\n    Both species require mature, clean, oxygen-rich aquariums and similar feeding care.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour \u0026amp; Sex Differences\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Mature males show the strongest colour, especially when settled and confident.\n    Females, juveniles, and stressed individuals can look much less colourful.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature males:\u003c\/strong\u003e dark purple-black body tone with metallic blue-green stripe\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFemales:\u003c\/strong\u003e more subtle grey, brown, or striped appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJuveniles\/subdominant males:\u003c\/strong\u003e may not show full colour immediately\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNew arrivals:\u003c\/strong\u003e colour may fade temporarily during stress or acclimation\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Colour usually improves after the fish settles into a stable aquarium with good food, clean water, flow, and low stress.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehavior \u0026amp; Group Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Gobies are peaceful surface-grazing fish that spend much of their time on glass, stones, wood, and hardscape.\n    They are not aggressive community fish, but males may show mild territorial or display behavior around preferred grazing spots.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    They can be kept singly, but they are more interesting in groups.\n    We recommend \u003cstrong\u003e3 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e when possible, especially in aquariums with enough grazing surfaces and food.\n    A group with one male and multiple females is ideal when available.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A mature, clean, oxygen-rich aquarium is strongly recommended.\n    This fish should not be added to a brand-new tank with no biofilm or unstable water.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMinimum recommended tank: 10 gallons for a single fish or pair\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e20 gallons or larger preferred for a group\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMature aquarium with established algae and biofilm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eModerate to strong flow preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eStrong aeration and clean water are important\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmooth stones, driftwood, glass, and hardscape provide grazing surfaces\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBright lighting can help grow natural biofilm and soft algae\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eTight-fitting lid recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A river-style layout with smooth stones, open flow, and stable oxygenation is ideal.\n    Hardy plants such as Anubias, Bucephalandra, Java Fern, and mosses can work well because they provide surfaces for biofilm while tolerating flow.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby, Black Kumbai Goby, Blue Neon Goby, Freshwater Neon Goby\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–27°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e approximately 3–5 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful \/ mildly territorial among males\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Biofilm, soft algae, aufwuchs, algae-based foods, fine frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Stable, oxygen-rich water is more important than chasing exact numbers.\n    Avoid hot, low-flow, low-oxygen aquariums, especially if the tank is heavily stocked.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Gobies are natural biofilm and algae grazers.\n    They should not be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone, especially in very clean aquariums.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNatural biofilm and soft algae\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAlgae wafers\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSpirulina-based sinking foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eRepashy-style gel foods on rocks\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFine powdered or micro foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFrozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, or bloodworms in small amounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Protein-rich foods should be used in moderation.\n    Their long-term diet should lean toward biofilm, algae-based foods, and vegetable-rich grazing options rather than heavy meaty feeding.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    One of the best feeding methods is to place algae-based gel food or fine sinking food on smooth stones where the gobies naturally graze.\n    This reduces competition from faster fish and helps maintain body condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Gobies are best kept with peaceful fish that enjoy clean, well-oxygenated water.\n    Avoid aggressive bottom dwellers or fish that outcompete them for food.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall rasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall danios\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eWhite Cloud Mountain Minnows\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePeaceful small tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNeocaridina and Caridina shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSmall peaceful hillstream loaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eOther compatible Stiphodon or small stream gobies\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Avoid aggressive cichlids, puffers, large predators, rough bottom feeders, and very warm low-flow community tanks.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShrimp Tank Compatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Gobies are generally one of the safer goby choices for shrimp tanks because they focus on grazing biofilm and algae rather than hunting shrimp.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Adult shrimp are usually safe in a proper setup.\n    Very tiny shrimplets can never be guaranteed in any community aquarium, but Stiphodon gobies are not active shrimp predators like many larger or carnivorous gobies.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Stiphodon gobies do not normally reproduce successfully in standard freshwater aquariums.\n    In nature, adults spawn in freshwater streams, but the larvae drift downstream and develop in marine conditions before returning to freshwater as juveniles.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Courtship and spawning behavior may occur in aquariums, but raising fry is not realistic for most hobbyists.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanada-Wide Live Fish Shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby is available from Topick Aquarium in Canada when in stock.\n    Local pickup is available in Markham, Ontario, and Canada-wide live fish shipping may be available depending on weather, route, and livestock condition.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This is not a heavy-duty algae control fish for neglected tanks.\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Gobies are specialized grazing fish that require mature surfaces, clean water, oxygen, and regular supplemental feeding.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    They may graze soft algae, diatoms, and biofilm, but they are not a solution for black beard algae, staghorn algae, or heavy long hair algae.\n    For those algae issues, lighting, nutrients, flow, CO2 stability, and maintenance habits must be corrected.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A secure lid is recommended because Stiphodon gobies can jump and may climb glass or hard surfaces, especially in high-flow setups.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFAQ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby is a trade name for \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e, a rare freshwater stream goby also sold as Black Kumbai Goby, Blue Neon Goby, or Freshwater Neon Goby.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is the scientific name?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The scientific name is \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Kumpay Goby the same as Blue Neon Goby?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    In the aquarium trade, \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e may be sold under Blue Neon Goby or Freshwater Neon Goby names. We use Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby to emphasize the darker male colour form and avoid confusion with \u003cem\u003eStiphodon semoni\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it the same as Stiphodon semoni?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    No. \u003cem\u003eStiphodon atropurpureus\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eStiphodon semoni\u003c\/em\u003e are different Stiphodon species, although they have similar care requirements and are often confused in the aquarium trade.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy is my Black Kumpay Goby not very black or blue?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Colour depends on sex, maturity, dominance, stress level, and settling time. Mature confident males show the strongest dark body and metallic stripe, while females, juveniles, and stressed fish are usually more subtle.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it eat shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It is generally safe with adult freshwater shrimp and is not an active shrimp hunter. Very tiny shrimplets may still be vulnerable in any community tank.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Kumpay Stiphodon Goby a good algae eater?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It grazes biofilm, soft algae, diatoms, and surface growth, but it should not be expected to live on algae alone. Supplemental algae-based foods are important.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need strong flow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    It does best in clean, oxygen-rich water with moderate to strong flow. Oxygenation and mature surfaces are more important than extreme current alone.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it live in a normal community tank?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Only if the tank is mature, clean, peaceful, and well-oxygenated. Hot, low-flow, unstable, or heavily stocked aquariums are not ideal.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it breed in freshwater?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Not normally. Spawning may happen, but the larvae require marine development and are not realistically raised in standard freshwater aquariums.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Topick Aquarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46236739829994,"sku":null,"price":18.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0605\/9091\/5818\/files\/images_20.jpg?v=1788577661","url":"https:\/\/topickaquarium.com\/products\/black-kumpay-stiphodon-goby","provider":"Topick Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}