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GO2515

Threadfin Goby (Sicyopterus longifilis)

Threadfin Goby (Sicyopterus longifilis)

$24.99 CAD
$24.99 CAD
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20 in stock
The Threadfin Goby (Sicyopterus longifilis), also known as the Threadfin Funky Goby or Clinging Goby, is a rare and striking freshwater fish native to fast-flowing coastal mountain streams, rapids, and rainforest creeks across Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Japan . It is celebrated in the aquarium hobby for its energetic behavior, iridescent colors, and unique anatomical adaptations built for life in heavy currents.
Appearance & Distinctive Features

  • Size: Adults typically grow to between 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 inches) in length.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males are highly colorful—often displaying vibrant shades of iridescent blue, green, silver, or dark banding—and feature spectacularly long, thread-like filamentous extensions on their first dorsal and caudal fins. Females are generally more subdued in color with shorter, less dramatic fins.
  • Body Form: They possess elongated, streamlined bodies, wide flat heads with upward-facing eyes, and a downward-positioned mouth perfectly adapted for scraping surfaces.
Fascinating Natural Behaviors

  • Waterfall Climbers: Like other members of the Sicyopterus genus, these fish possess pelvic fins modified into a powerful suction disc. In the wild, they use this disc alongside their specialized mouths to literally crawl up steep, wet surfaces, including vertical rock faces and waterfalls.
  • Amphidromous Life Cycle: They have an incredible migratory reproductive cycle. The adults live and spawn in high-elevation freshwater streams. Once the eggs hatch, the tiny larvae drift downstream into the ocean to develop into marine plankton. As juveniles, they gather in massive numbers at river mouths and migrate back upstream to complete their life cycle. Because of this marine larval requirement, they cannot be bred successfully in home aquaria.
Aquarium Care & Habitat Requirements

Because of their specific natural environment, the Threadfin Goby is best suited for experienced aquarists looking to maintain a dedicated river biome or stream tank setup.
  • Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 30 gallons (approx. 115 litres) is recommended to properly house a small, peaceful group.
  • Water Flow & Oxygen: High turbulence and exceptional water quality are strictly non-negotiable. The setup must utilize heavy filtration, powerheads, or a river tank manifold to replicate rushing water and maintain maximum oxygenation.
  • Decor & Substrate: Use a fine sand or rounded gravel substrate decorated with plenty of smooth river stones, boulders, and driftwood.
  • Lighting & Diet: They are specialized aufwuchs grazers. Intense, bright lighting should be provided to stimulate a healthy carpet of natural algae and biofilm across the stones. While their diet relies heavily on algae and greenfoods, they should be supplemented with sinking pellets, wafers, and high-quality frozen foods.
  • Escape Artists: A tightly-fitting aquarium lid is essential, as their natural climbing and leaping instincts make them highly prone to jumping out of open tanks.
Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 78°F)
  • pH: 6.5 to 7.8
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (dH up to 18)
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