Stiphodon Percnopterygionus

Datasheet

Behaviour:

Stiphodon spp. can coexist peacefully in a community tank if tankmates are selected thoughtfully. It is advisable to choose peaceful, similarly-sized species that naturally inhabit well-oxygenated streams such as Tanichthys, Microdevario, or smaller Danio species for upper levels. Furthermore, they can also be housed with various characins, small poeciliid livebearers, and freshwater shrimp of Caridina and Neocaridina genera. Bottom-dwelling tankmates may include small loaches from genera like Gastromyzon, Pseudogastromyzon, Barbucca, or Acanthopsoides. It is recommended to avoid aggressive feeders like some Schistura spp. Larger fish should be omitted, while in larger setups, non-predatory surface-dwelling species may be considered. Male Stiphodon are loosely territorial, especially during breeding, but multiple males can coexist with adequate space and food supply. Females tend to form loose groups, and it is suggested to have a single male with at least two females. Within the same species, females form groups, while males seem to discern between different species.

Feeding and Diet:

Stiphodon spp. are specialized algal grazers, feeding on benthic algae and associated micro-organisms. Their diet includes subterminal, extrusible mouthparts designed for grazing on algae, with regenerative teeth aiding in this process. It is crucial to offer a mature aquarium with abundant algae-covered surfaces to ensure their well-being. While they may accept some sinking dried products and meaty foods like bloodworms occasionally, their digestive system is primarily adapted for processing vegetable matter. In cases where sufficient algae are not naturally available in the tank, maintaining a separate container to grow algae on rocks and rotating them into the main tank periodically is recommended. Different types of algae, such as diatoms and green varieties, are preferred over tougher varieties like rhodophytic "black brush" algae.

Reproduction:

Although courtship behavior and sporadic spawning have been observed, successful breeding of Stiphodon spp. fry in captivity remains elusive due to their complex amphidromous breeding strategy. This involves adults spawning in freshwater streams, with the larvae being carried downstream to the ocean for initial development. After reaching a certain developmental stage, the fry migrate back upstream, often facing obstacles like waterfalls. Females can lay a substantial number of eggs, with the male guarding them during the short incubation period. The tiny, pyriform eggs are attached to solid surfaces and hatch as undeveloped larvae. These larvae then embark on a journey back to the freshwater streams, undergoing various physical changes before reaching sexual maturity within a year.

Habitat and Distribution:

Stiphodon Percnopterygionus primarily inhabits short coastal streams on tropical, volcanic islands, located above waterfalls or cataracts. These habitats, inaccessible to many fish species, are typically home to other gobies like Sicyopus. These streams have varying gradients, with some species preferring faster-flowing waters while others inhabit slower-moving streams. Substrates consist of bedrock, rocks, and boulders, with clear, well-oxygenated water facilitating the development of a rich biofilm, essential for their diet. Stiphodon spp. actively choose specific substrate types, indicating resource partitioning within and among species. Their successful colonization of these niche habitats is supported by unique morphological features allowing them to utilize biofilm as a food source and employing a remarkable breeding strategy. The known distribution range of Stiphodon Percnopterygionus extends from southern Taiwan through various Japanese island groups to Micronesia, overlapping with the ranges of some congeners.