Stiphodon Ornatus

Datasheet

Behaviour:

Stiphodon spp. are best kept in a community tank with peaceful, similarly-sized species that inhabit well-oxygenated streams. Tankmates can include Tanichthys, Microdevario, smaller Danio species, characins, small poeciliid livebearers, and freshwater shrimp from the genera Caridina and Neocaridina. Bottom-dwelling companions may include small loaches like Gastromyzon and Pseudogastromyzon. These gobies can be territorial, especially during breeding, but multiple males can coexist with enough space and proper food. They can also be kept with other stream-dwelling gobies such as Sicyopus, Sicyopterus, Rhinogobius, or Schismatogobius spp., with a recommended ratio of one male to two or more females. Females tend to group together loosely, while males can differentiate between females of different species.

Feeding and Diet:

Stiphodon spp. are specialized grazers that feed on benthic algae and micro-organisms. They have subterminal, extrusible mouthparts with dentition adapted for grazing. In the aquarium, they may accept sinking dried products and small, meaty foods like bloodworms, but these should be offered irregularly as their diet is primarily herbivorous. Providing a mature aquarium with plenty of algae-covered surfaces is essential for their long-term health. In cases where algae growth is insufficient in the main tank, a separate container can be used to grow algae-covered rocks, which can be alternated with those in the main tank. Algal type, such as diatoms and cyanobacteria, is important, and a strong focus on algae sources is vital due to their specialized diet and oxygen requirements.

Reproduction & Dimorphism:

Raising fry of Stiphodon spp. in captivity is challenging due to their complex amphidromous breeding strategy. Adult gobies spawn in freshwater streams, but the pelagic post-hatch larvae are washed downstream to the sea. Once they develop, they migrate back upstream, a journey that may involve climbing waterfalls. Females can lay up to 10,000 tiny eggs attached to solid surfaces. Males initiate spawning and guard the eggs during an incubation period of less than 24 hours. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with males exhibiting variable color patterns, including dark patterning and fin coloration. Females are relatively plain with distinct lateral body stripes.

Habitat and Distribution:

Stiphodon Ornatus is found in short coastal streams above waterfalls or cataracts, primarily in Aceh and West Sumatra, Indonesia. They inhabit well-oxygenated, fast-flowing streams with bedrock substrates and scattered rocks. Aquatic plants are generally absent, but riparian vegetation and submerged leaf litter are common. These gobies actively choose specific substrate types and thrive in clear, tropical water conditions conducive to biofilm development. Due to their specific habitat requirements, their conservation is a concern due to threats like habitat degradation and pollution.