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Order : Perciformes
Family : GOBIIDAE
Species : 9 species as of 2025 (Fishbase)
Maximum Length : Up to 4 cm
Gobies of the genus Brachygobius
are collectively known as 'bumblebee gobies' as their brightly
coloured banding resembles the
patterning of bumblebees of the genus Bombus. As of 2025 Fishbase
recognises 9 species of goby in this genus, which occur in many parts of coastal Southeast Asia and neighbouring
regions.
Brachygobius gobies can grow to just 4 cm total length. They have
distinctive black and yellow/orange banding. Males take guard over egg clutches after
fertilisation. They feed on various zooplankton.
The example shown here, measuring around 3 cm total length, was found
sheltering amongst mangrove roots in a slightly brackish mangrove inlet
connected to the southernmost part of Songkhla Lake, in southern Thailand.
This example appears to be Brachygobius kabiliensis, based on its
slender appearance and habitat.
Bumblebee gobies are popular aquarium fishes due to their striking appearance
and their high survival rate in aquariums.
Figs 1 and 2 : Brachygobius sp. in a slightly brackish mangrove
habitat inlet connected to the southern part of Songkhla Lake, southern
Thailand. It measured around 3 cm total length.
Figs 3 and 4 : Habitat images of the location of the Brachygobius
shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Acknowledgments : Thanks to Kelvin Lim for helping identify the fish in
these images.
References and links :
Larson, H.K. and Lim, K.P. 1997. A Guide to Gobies of Singapore.
Singapore Science Centre.
Fishbase
- Brachygobius
Wikipedia
- Brachygobius
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