FishWiki

Time for some freshwater goby appreciation! Today we have the Blue Neon Dwarf Goby (Stiphodon atropurpureus).

These freshwater gobies are native to islands in Japan, Taiwan, and Micronesia. Members of this genus are near-exclusive inhabitants of short rocky coastal streams on tropical, often volcanic, islands, with typical habitats lying above waterfalls. After spawning the larval fry drift downstream into the ocean where they feed on plankton. When they mature the gobies make their way back upstream using specialized pelvic fins to suction-cup themselves onto rocks and mouths used to grip onto surfaces. This allows them to swim through strong flowing streams and up waterfalls back to their freshwater origins. Since they are primarily benthic feeders their diet consists of mainly biofilm and algae with some small invertebrates like copepods. This species is sexually dimorphic with males being more brightly colored than females.

In the aquarium they need brightly lit established tanks with plenty of biofilm and clear, cool, well-oxygenated water. An oversized filter or wavemakers can help achieve a high-turnover setup. They get along with peaceful tankmates like dwarf shrimp, danios, and small loaches.

Sources and further reading:

• https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/stiphodon-atropurpureus/
• https://aquaticarts.com/products/blue-neon-dwarf-goby
• https://dansfish.com/product.detail/3763/Stiphodon-atropurpureus-(Stiphodon-atropurpureus)

Time for another weekly aquatic animal showcase. This week we have the charming little Horned Nerites (Clithon diadema and Clithon corona).

These nerites are native to East and Southeast Asia where they inhabit clear freshwater streams and brackish bodies of water. Like many other nerite species they move into brackish water to lay eggs and move back to freshwater as adults. They graze on algae, detritus, decaying plant matter, and biofilm growing on rocks and plants. Adults max out at .5-1 inch (1.3-2.5cm). With decorative spiked shells coming in yellow, brown, black, orange, and striped patterns these snails have become popular in aquaria.

In the aquarium these snails can be kept with peaceful tankmates. They make great additions to planted tanks as they do not eat healthy plants, instead going after decaying plant matter and algae. They can also be fed algae-rich pellet food and vegetables. Since they are unable to reproduce in freshwater there is never a risk of overpopulation. Mature tanks with stable water parameters and plenty of natural biofilm/algae growth are preferred.

Sources and further reading:

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/150298-Clithon-corona
• https://aquaticarts.com/products/three-color-thorn-horn-nerite-snail

This amazing turtle is the last living member of the Carettochelyidae family, being native to Northern Australia and New Guinea. Growing close to 70cm (27.5in) and up to 30kg (66lbs) these turtles inhabit the warm tropical rivers, streams, lakes and lagoons that have soft bottoms and slow currents, though it has been documented that they will venture into brackish waters such as estuaries and river deltas. This species is predominantly aquatic, leaving the water only to nest. Sadly these guys are endangered and are listed as CITES appendix II.

These turtles are omnivores, eating mainly a wild diet derived from plant matter. Though in captivity they are fed a varied diet of pellets, fruits, vegetables and fish meat. For the own safety of the turtle, they should be kept in a mainly open tank due to them being not the most intelligent animal, fast growing plants like vallisneria can be added which will provide a food source as well as make the tank look more pleasing.