The White Cheek Goby (Rhinogobius duospilus), also known as the Hong Kong Goby or Freshwater Goby, is a charming and hardy nano fish appreciated for its subtle silver coloring, white cheeks, and peaceful personality. At just 3cm, this bottom-dwelling species is perfect for small aquariums, planted tanks, and cool-water setups with gentle filtration.

Native to streams and rivers in southern China and Hong Kong, the White Cheek Goby is highly adaptable, living in both freshwater and low-brackish environments. Its inquisitive behavior, unique perching style, and ability to coexist with other calm species make it a favorite for hobbyists who enjoy natural, stream-style aquascapes.

🐠 Key Features:

• Scientific Name: Rhinogobius duospilus

• Common Names: White Cheek Goby, Hong Kong Goby

• Size: 3cm (adult)

• Temperament: Peaceful, slightly territorial with own kind

• Tank Zone: Bottom

• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate

• Well-suited for cool, freshwater or lightly brackish tanks

🌊 Water Conditions

White Cheek Gobies thrive in cool, clean, and well-oxygenated water with natural decor and soft substrate.

• Temperature: 18–24°C (64–75°F)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: 5–12 dGH

• Salinity (optional): Can tolerate brackish water up to 1.005 SG

• Tank Size: 10–20 gallons

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel

• Decor: Rounded rocks, caves, driftwood, mosses, and leaf litter

Add plenty of hiding spaces to help reduce territorial behavior among males.

🐟 Tank Mates

White Cheek Gobies are calm and community-friendly when housed with non-aggressive, cool-water species.

Great tank mates include:

• White Cloud Mountain Minnows

• Small Rasboras

• Ember or Neon Tetras

• Hillstream Loaches

• Cherry or Amano shrimp (in low-predation setups)

Avoid:

• Large, aggressive, or very active fish

• Warm-water tropical species

• Fin-nipping barbs or fast cichlids

One male per tank is ideal unless in a larger tank with divided territories.

🍽️ Feeding Habits

These gobies are carnivorous micro-predators and prefer small, protein-rich foods.

Ideal foods:

• Live or frozen baby brine shrimp

• Daphnia, cyclops, bloodworms

• Micropellets and sinking granules

• Repashy or soft gel-based carnivore food

Feed once or twice daily and ensure food reaches the bottom where they can easily access it.

🧼 Care Tips:

• Perform weekly water changes (25–30%) to maintain clean, cool water

• Use a secure lid, as gobies may jump

• Provide ample hiding spots and visual breaks for multiple gobies

• Avoid harsh lighting—prefer low-light or shaded tanks

• Keep the substrate soft to protect their undersides and barbels

They’re hardy fish once established but prefer stable, mature tanks.

🌿 Why Choose the White Cheek Goby?

The White Cheek Goby is a peaceful, low-maintenance nano fish that’s perfect for aquarists looking to set up a cool, natural, and relaxing tank environment. Their small size, charming behavior, and adaptability make them an excellent addition to planted community tanks or stream-style setups.

Add a touch of calm and character to your aquarium—choose the White Cheek Goby today!