黄带短鰕虎鱼

Overview

Brachygobius xanthozonus has long been confused with ordinary bumblebee gobies in aquarium literature. The actual fish is relatively elongated, with four dark body bands and a completely dark anal fin. Fish sold under its name should not automatically be identified as this species.

Distribution & habitat

It was described from Surabaya in eastern Java, Indonesia, and may be restricted to that island. Older records from Borneo and Sumatra may concern other species.

The habitat remains unconfirmed. Lowland coastal fresh or brackish environments, including mangroves, estuaries, and tidal streams, have been suggested, but this is not an established husbandry profile.

Notes

Approximately fifty lateral scales distinguish it from other described members of the genus, contributing to its longer appearance. It may never have entered the ornamental export trade, despite decades of use of its name for different fishes.

Older accounts may place it in Hypogymnogobius, reflecting discussion of its scales, fin rays, and head sensory structures. Until identity is established, feeding, salinity, and breeding advice for other bumblebee gobies should not be treated as proven requirements here.