Red Lipstick Goby

Appearance and Sexual Differences

• Short Description: This fish is a slender, active bottom-dweller characterized by its ability to cling to surfaces. Mature males exhibit the namesake bright red/orange lips and coloration on their second dorsal fin and tail end.
• Coloration: Males are brilliantly colored with red/orange on the fins and rear body, and may have a yellow second dorsal fin. Females are less colorful but still active.
• Fins: Like many stream-dwelling gobies, their pelvic fins are fused into a strong suction disc used to anchor themselves against fast currents. They can climb glass and are prone to jumping.
• Behavior: They are very active and engaging, often seen clinging to rocks and glass in high-flow areas. Males may have minor territorial squabbles.

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons for a single specimen or pair; 30+ gallons is better for groups or community tanks. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory to prevent escape.
• Schooling: Can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups. Provide ample territory, especially for multiple males, to minimize conflict.
• Temperature: Tropical range: 72∘–79∘F (22∘–26∘C). Stable, warm water is preferred.
• pH Level: Soft, neutral to slightly acidic water: 6.0 to 7.5. They require heavy water flow (10–15x turnover per hour) and excellent filtration to maintain high oxygenation and cleanliness.
• Aquascape: Replicate a hillstream biotope. Use a fine substrate (sand or small gravel). Include plenty of smooth rocks and driftwood arranged to create high-flow areas and plenty of crevices for hiding.

Diet and Feeding

The Red Lipstick Goby is a micropredator and requires a carnivorous diet.

• Staple Diet: They primarily eat small invertebrates in the wild and will not typically accept dry foods (flakes or pellets).
• Supplementation: Diet must consist of high-quality live and frozen meaty foods of appropriate size: Frozen Bloodworms, Brine Shrimp, Mysis Shrimp, and live foods like Daphnia.
• Schedule: Feed small amounts once or twice a day, ensuring the food sinks to their level.

Compatibility

• Caution: They can be territorial, especially in small tanks. They are generally not advised to be kept with dwarf shrimp (like $Neocaridina$) as they may prey upon them.
• Good Tank Mates: Other small, peaceful fish that inhabit the upper water column and can handle high flow. Examples include small Rasboras, peaceful Tetras, and Hillstream Loaches. Larger shrimp (like Amano Shrimp) are typically safe.