卡比伦短鰕虎鱼 · Kabili bumblebee goby

Overview

Brachygobius kabiliensis is a very small bumblebee goby whose name is frequently misapplied in the trade. A label alone is not reliable identification. A dedicated aquarium is the better starting point for correctly identified specimens.

Distribution & habitat

The type locality is the Kabili River in Sabah, Malaysia. Further records come from Brunei, Singapore, and the lower Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia. This discontinuous reported range, together with confusion between similar species, calls for care over identification.

It occupies fresh and brackish coastal lowlands, including mangroves, estuaries, and tidal streams. Mud, sand, and silt are overlain by leaves, roots, and submerged wood.

Aquarium setup

Provide a footprint of at least about 45 × 30 cm with abundant cover and hiding places. This species favors harder water than some relatives. Coral material can provide buffering where needed, and a brackish setup using marine salt is another option. Keep filtration gentle; a sponge filter is suitable.

Diet & feeding

A dependable supply of tiny live foods is important, including appropriately sized brine shrimp and water fleas. Some individuals accept frozen alternatives, whereas dried foods are generally ignored. Match food size carefully to this diminutive fish.

Behaviour & compatibility

It is unlikely to thrive in an ordinary community. A species-only aquarium better accommodates its feeding and space requirements.

Notes

There is no separate dark head band, although the first body band may meet the rear of the eye. The dark bar above the anal fin stops around the midflank rather than reaching the belly, and scales are present before the dorsal fin. These features help distinguish close lookalikes, but more than one actual species may be involved under existing names.