Red Lipstick Goby

The Red Lipstick Goby, scientifically known as Sicyopus rubicundus, is a rare and brilliantly colored freshwater goby native to fast-flowing, clear mountain streams in Java and Bali, Indonesia. It is renowned in the aquarium hobby for its vivid coloration and active, riverine behavior, but remains an uncommon find due to its specialized habitat needs and sporadic availability.

Adult Red Lipstick Gobies typically reach about 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.5 cm) in length. Males are especially striking, exhibiting a bright red to reddish-orange body with intensely colored, lipstick-red lips, a blue or iridescent stripe along the body, and transparent fins. Females are more subdued, showing silver-gray to tan tones with less intense coloration. The body is elongated and slightly compressed, built for clinging to rocks in fast currents.

A tank of at least 20 gallons with a strong water flow is recommended for this species. The aquarium should have a sandy or fine gravel substrate, rounded stones, and pebbles to replicate their native streambed. Driftwood and patches of aquatic moss or algae provide both grazing surfaces and cover. Ensure ample oxygenation and flow, ideally using powerheads or river tank manifolds, as these gobies require clean, well-oxygenated water.

Water parameters for Sicyopus rubicundus should include a temperature range of 72 to 78°F (22 to 26°C), a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and soft to moderately hard water. Stability and pristine water quality are critical, as this species is sensitive to organic buildup and pollution.

Feeding the Red Lipstick Goby can be challenging, as they are specialized micro-predators and grazers. Offer small live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brine shrimp, and blackworms, as well as frozen alternatives. Some individuals will learn to accept high-quality micro pellets or crushed flakes, but live and frozen fare is generally required for long-term health.

Red Lipstick Gobies are peaceful but best kept with other small, fast-moving fish suited to strong currents, such as small danios or riverine rasboras. Avoid keeping them with aggressive or slow-moving tankmates. They do well in species-only or community river setups with plenty of open swimming space and rockwork.

Breeding Sicyopus rubicundus in captivity is extremely rare and not well documented. They are believed to be amphidromous in the wild, with larvae that drift downstream to the ocean before returning as juveniles, so reproduction in home aquariums is not currently practical.

Sicyopus rubicundus (Red Lipstick Goby) is a visually stunning, highly active species that rewards dedicated aquarists with its bold colors and fascinating, river-dwelling behavior when provided with proper conditions.