Lampung Hill-Stream Goby (Stiphodon Carisa)

A rock-clinging hill-stream wanderer that grazes algae in Sumatra’s swift currents.

Shop the Lampung Hill-Stream Goby (Stiphodon carisa) — a peaceful, algae-grazing freshwater goby for cool, fast-flowing, oxygen-rich aquascapes.

• Water conditions: The Lampung Hill-Stream Goby is a rheophilic species from clear, rocky hill streams and needs cool, highly oxygenated water with strong, steady flow. Aim for 20–24°C (68–75°F), pH 6.5–7.8 and a general hardness of around 2–12 dGH. Provide a mature aquarium with low nitrate and phosphate levels, excellent surface agitation and a turnover rate of roughly 10–20 times the tank volume per hour, using a powerhead, stream pump or canister outlet to create riffles and current. Use smooth rounded stones, cobbles, sand, driftwood and open grazing surfaces; avoid sharp gravel that can damage the goby’s delicate underside. Keep parameters stable, avoid high temperatures and organic buildup, and use a tight-fitting lid because hill-stream gobies can climb and jump. Drip-acclimatise new arrivals slowly, especially if they have travelled in cool, low-oxygen bags.
• Suitable tank mates: Choose small, peaceful, current-loving fish that will not bully or outcompete the goby. Good options include white cloud mountain minnows, small danios, slender rasboras, and peaceful rheophilic loaches or small suckermouth catfish that tolerate cool, fast water. Peaceful shrimp may work in a well-planted, mature setup, but avoid large or aggressive shrimp that could harass resting gobies. Avoid large cichlids, boisterous barbs, goldfish, predatory species and any fish that needs warm, still water. Also avoid stocking heavy biofilm grazers that would compete directly for the goby’s main food source. Keep several specimens if possible, but provide enough rockwork and visual barriers because males can be territorial; a small group in a spacious stream-style tank often settles better than a single pair in a cramped setup.
• Feeding habits: Stiphodon carisa is an aufwuchs grazer rather than a typical pellet eater. In the wild it scrapes algae, diatoms and biofilm from rocks, so a mature tank with visible biofilm and soft green algae is valuable. Offer supplementary foods such as spirulina wafers, algae-based sinking tablets, blanched zucchini, spinach, cucumber, nori and gel foods designed for grazers. Many specimens also take small amounts of frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia or finely crushed micro-pellets, but these should not replace the algae-based diet. Feed small portions once or twice daily, removing uneaten food to prevent nitrate spikes. Do not rely on a single wafer per week; the goby needs continuous grazing opportunities. Rotate foods, place wafers on smooth stones or a feeding slate, and monitor body condition—sunken belly or pale colour can indicate insufficient biofilm or competition.
• Care requirements: This is a sensitive wild-type goby best suited to experienced aquarists who can maintain cool, clean, highly oxygenated water. Quarantine new arrivals and observe them for weight loss, laboured breathing or skin issues before adding them to a display tank. Perform regular partial water changes with temperature-matched water, siphon debris from the substrate and clean filter intakes without destroying established biofilm. Avoid unnecessary medications, copper-based treatments and sudden salinity changes; if treatment is needed, use a quarantine tank and follow specialist advice. The species is amphidromous, with a marine larval stage, so captive breeding is not a realistic aquarium goal—purchase responsibly sourced specimens and do not expect fry. Keep the tank covered, protect pumps and powerheads with guards, and provide retreats among rocks. With stable conditions, strong flow, mature grazing surfaces and peaceful tank mates, the Lampung Hill-Stream Goby makes a fascinating and active nano-to-medium stream biotope resident.