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Long Fin Red Banded Goby

Long Fin Red Banded Goby

Origin

🇦🇺

Australia

Indo-Pacific

Habitat Size

50-150 Liters

Water Type

Salt Water

Water Temperature

24º-28ºC

Cost in India

₹80 - ₹150

Size

2 - 3 inches (Small)

Diet

Omnivore

A red banded goby with a yellow face swims near purple and green polyp corals underwater
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 11 Nov 2025

The Long Fin Red Banded Goby Fish is also known as the Hi-Fin red banded goby. Its scientific name is Stonogobiops nematodes. The goby has a white body with red bands, a yellow face, and a tall fin. It is a small marine fish popular in reef tanks. It is known for pairing with the pistol shrimp and is adored by aquarists for the striking look, calm nature, and fun behaviour.

The size of the Hi-Fin red banded goby

The Hi-Fin red banded goby size can be up to 6 cm in length under good care. It can also grow up to 8 cm in some cases depending on the environment and habitat.

What is the life expectancy of Long Fin Red Banded Goby Fish?

The gobies can live between 4 to 6 years depending on the care they receive. They require stable marine reef conditions to thrive and grow.

Is Long Fin Red Banded Goby available for purchase?

This species can be found in online aquarium portals and specialty stores, priced anywhere from ₹500 to ₹800.


Characteristics

Temperament

Aggressive

Friendly

Compatibility with other fishes

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Habitat Size

Small

Large

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Habitat Requirement for Hi-Fin Red Goby

Initial Setup Cost

₹4,000 - ₹12,000

Water Temperature

24º -28ºC

Water Type

Salt Water

PH Level

8.1 - 8.4

Meeting the required habitat recommendations ensures that the goby lives happily and has a long life.

Minimum Tank Size

~30 gallons (Close to 115 litres) for a single goby or a pair

Substrate

Fine sand bed

Water Temperature

24-28 °C (~75-82 °F)

pH

8.1-8.4

Hiding Places & Rockwork

- Ample live rock, crevices, caves

- Must have a tight-fitting lid (they may jump)

Tank Mates Gobies are Compatible with:

  1. Peaceful reef fish like clownfish, chromis, small wrasses
  2. Other gentle gobies/ shrimp gobies
  3. Symbiotic pistol shrimp (Alpheus spp.)
  4. Small invertebrates/ reef safe crustaceans (snails, harmless crabs, etc.)

Who not to pair with:

  1. Large predatory or aggressive fish (e.g. large groupers, hawkfish, large dottybacks)
  2. Territorial fish (especially other bottom dwellers)
  3. Fin-nippers or hyperactive fish

Essential Equipment

Aquarium tank

Water filter

Heater

Light

Substrate

Decor

Feeding Guide for Long Fin Red Banded Goby

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹80 - ₹ 150

Gobies are bottom dwellers and carnivores in nature. Their feeding must reflect their natural preferences.

Staple Diet

Frozen or fresh mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small marine meaty items.

Supplemental Food

High-quality marine pellets or flakes

Feeding Frequency

- 2 times a day (recommended)

- Sometimes more in smaller meals.

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Health

Common Health Issues

White spot / ick

Fungal infections

Parasites

Ammonia poisoning

Bacterial infections

Parasitic infections

Signs of good health

Active

Bright coloration

Good apetite

Signs of sickness

Loss of appetite

Lethargic behaviour

Dull coloring

White growths

Frequent hiding

Focus on the parameters below to keep your goby healthy and thriving.

  1. Ammonia and nitrites should be 0 ppm. Sudden changes in salinity, pH or temperature stress them.
  2. Gobbies are shy in nature. So, they need lots of hiding spots to survive.
  3. They are known to jump, so use tight-fitting lids.
  4. Keep the water clean and maintain good hygiene standards to prevent diseases like marine ich & bacterial skin lesions

Prerequisites for a Fish

Adequate tank space

Cleanliness

Effort & commitment

Enriching Environment

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Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How large a tank does this goby truly need?

A minimum of ~30 gallons (115 L) is recommended to house even a single goby comfortably.

Can it be kept in a reef aquarium?

Yes, this goby is reef-safe as long as tankmates are peaceful and water conditions are stable.

Will the goby eat live rock inhabitants or corals?

No. Its diet is focused on small crustaceans and prepared meaty foods. It is not known to bother corals or sessile invertebrates.

Is it easy to find captive-bred specimens?

Yes, there are captive-bred Hi-Fin red banded gobies for sale in the aquarium trade. They tend to adapt more readily to feeding and tank conditions.

Will they pair with pistol shrimp immediately?

They may take some time to adjust. The pairing often occurs when both partners are present and provided with suitable substrate and hiding spots. It may not happen instantaneously.