More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 60 litres / 15.85 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 4.5cm / 1.77inches |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 28°C / 82.40°F |
| Hardness | 2.02dgH / 36ppm - 12.05dgH / 215ppm |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
Behaviour
Sicyopus Cebuensis can thrive in a community tank when compatible tankmates are carefully selected. They are peaceful, pelagic species that are typically found in well-oxygenated streams. Suitable companions can include Tanichthys, Microdevario, smaller Danio species, various characins, small poeciliid livebearers, and freshwater shrimp from Caridinia and Neocaridina genera. Bottom-dwelling tankmates like small loaches from genera such as Gastromyzon, Pseudogastromyzon, Barbucca, or Acanthopsoides can also be considered. Aggressive or territorial species should be avoided, while larger fish and most cichlids are not recommended tankmates. When breeding, Sicyopus spp. may become loosely territorial; however, multiple individuals can be kept together under appropriate conditions. Females tend to group together, and a male with two or more females is a suggested minimum purchase.
Feeding and Diet
Sicyopus Cebuensis is considered a specialized predator, showing a preference for small live or frozen foods like bloodworms, Artemia, and Daphnia. They are reported to ignore dried foods and may not be suitable companions for small live invertebrates in the aquarium.
Reproduction & Dimorphism
Despite observations of courtship behavior and occasional spawning, raising fry of Sicyopus species in captivity remains a challenge. These gobies follow a complex amphidromous breeding strategy, with adults spawning in freshwater streams and post-hatch larvae being washed downstream to develop in marine conditions before migrating back upstream. Adult males exhibit extended unpaired fins compared to females, with brighter coloration and distinct markings.
Habitat and Distribution
Sicyopus Cebuensis primarily inhabits short coastal streams on tropical islands, typically located above waterfalls or cataracts. They prefer habitats with clear, well-oxygenated water and rocky substrates. This species is rare in nature, with known populations in the upper Naga River basin on the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Additional populations are presumed to exist, but current records are limited.