Breeding Rhinogobius

Gobies live in shallow rocky fast flowing streams and lay adhesive eggs on the undersides of caves and crevasses in an oxygen rich environment due to the fast flowing water. An example of this can be found in the BBC documentary "Sayoyama II" at around the 0:25 mark.

In aquaria an inverted clay flowerpot saucer is used with good water movement.

The best way to breed the eggs of Rhinogobius is like showed in this picture.

For the first 6 days take the ventilation far away from the eggs, because to much movement leads to premature slippage. At the seventh day move the ventilation closer to the clutch. You can control the movement with a flashlight in the mirror of the floor plate. The stronger movement of the eggs releases an enzyme that softens the egg shell and makes it easier for the embryos to slip.

The temperature is also important. In R. zhoui at least 26 ° C, in the other Rhinogobius at least 24 ° C. Otherwise too many embryos die.

- Jutta Bauer