{"product_id":"blue-neon-stiphodon-goby","title":"Blue Neon Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon semoni)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; line-height:1.75;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Neon Stiphodon Goby (Stiphodon semoni)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA rare freshwater Stiphodon goby with neon blue male coloration, peaceful behavior, and natural algae-grazing activity for mature planted and river-style aquariums.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The Blue Neon Stiphodon Goby, \u003cem\u003eStiphodon semoni\u003c\/em\u003e, is a beautiful small freshwater goby known for its metallic blue to blue-green coloration in mature males, peaceful temperament, and constant grazing behavior.\n    It is also searched as Cobalt Blue Goby, Freshwater Neon Goby, Sumatran Blue Neon Goby, Opal Cling Goby, and Blue Neon Goby.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    This is not a common bottom fish and not a standard algae eater.\n    Stiphodon gobies are specialized stream fish that do best in mature aquariums with clean water, strong oxygenation, established biofilm, and smooth surfaces for grazing.\n    In the right setup, they are active, peaceful, beautiful, and very different from ordinary community fish.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Male Blue Neon Stiphodon Gobies show the strongest blue colour, especially when settled, mature, and confident.\n    Females, juveniles, and subdominant males can appear more subtle, grey, or lightly marked.\n    This natural colour difference is important to understand before purchase.\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\u003eBright neon blue to blue-green male coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAlso known as Cobalt Blue Goby or Freshwater Neon Goby\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    \u003cli\u003eSmall size but strong collector appeal\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\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\u003eHigh-oxygen nano or small community setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAquarists looking for a peaceful 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    Blue Neon Stiphodon Gobies are often misunderstood because they are sold as “algae eaters.”\n    They do graze algae and biofilm, but they should not be treated as a simple cleanup fish that can survive in any tank.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    The real key is body condition.\n    These gobies constantly browse surfaces, but visible grazing does not always mean they are getting enough nutrition.\n    A mature tank with biofilm, algae-based foods, and occasional fine frozen foods gives them a much better long-term chance.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    A healthy Stiphodon should have a full body, strong grip, steady breathing, and active surface-grazing behavior.\n    Thin or sunken individuals are often difficult to recover, so proper holding, feeding, and conditioning before sale matter.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003ch3 style=\"color:#399643;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Neon Goby Colour \u0026amp; Sex Differences\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Mature males show the strongest colour, often with a bright blue to blue-green stripe or body sheen.\n    Dominant males may become especially intense when displaying.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMales:\u003c\/strong\u003e stronger neon blue or blue-green colour, especially when mature and confident\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFemales:\u003c\/strong\u003e usually more grey, brown, or subtle in colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJuveniles\/Subdominant males:\u003c\/strong\u003e may not show full blue colour immediately\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\n    Colour can improve after settling into a stable aquarium with proper food, 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    Blue Neon 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 tanks 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 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    Robust 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 semoni\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Neon Stiphodon Goby, Cobalt Blue Goby, Freshwater Neon Goby, Opal Cling Goby\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22–27°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    Blue Neon Stiphodon Gobies are natural biofilm and algae grazers.\n    They should not be expected to survive on aquarium algae alone, especially in very clean tanks.\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 offered 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    Blue Neon 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    Blue Neon Stiphodon Gobies are generally considered one of the better goby options 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    Blue Neon 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    Blue Neon 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\u003eIs Blue Neon Stiphodon Goby a freshwater fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Yes. Adult \u003cem\u003eStiphodon semoni\u003c\/em\u003e live in freshwater streams. However, their natural breeding cycle involves larvae developing in marine conditions, which is why they do not normally breed successfully in freshwater aquariums.\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 semoni\u003c\/em\u003e.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Blue Neon Goby the same as Cobalt Blue Goby?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    In the aquarium trade, \u003cem\u003eStiphodon semoni\u003c\/em\u003e is often sold under names such as Blue Neon Goby, Cobalt Blue Goby, Freshwater Neon Goby, and Opal Cling Goby.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it the same as Stiphodon atropurpureus?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    No. They are different Stiphodon species, but they are often confused or mislabeled in the trade. \u003cem\u003eStiphodon semoni\u003c\/em\u003e males are known for a bright blue to blue-green stripe and relatively clear fins.\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 Blue Neon 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\u003eWhy is my Blue Neon Goby not very blue?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Colour depends on sex, maturity, dominance, stress level, and settling time. Mature males show the strongest blue, while females and juveniles are usually more subtle.\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":46236738978026,"sku":null,"price":9.99,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0605\/9091\/5818\/files\/Blue-Neon-Dwarf-Goby-MAIN-2_1200x1200_53d4257a-2fe8-4f58-9c17-fffe76aa75d3.webp?v=1788577478","url":"https:\/\/topickaquarium.com\/products\/blue-neon-stiphodon-goby","provider":"Topick Aquarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}