盘鳍瓢眼鰕虎鱼

Overview

Sicyopus discordipinnis is a small stream goby from Papua New Guinea and neighboring islands. It is not a routine aquarium trade species. Several details, including diet and sex differences, remain tentative rather than established from extensive captive experience.

Distribution & habitat

Records include northern New Guinea, Normanby, New Hanover, and Bougainville. The type locality is a creek southeast of Wewak.

Members of the genus generally occupy short coastal streams on tropical islands, sometimes above waterfalls. Clear oxygenated water, rock beds, boulders, and abundant surface biofilm characterize these settings. Bankside vegetation and fallen leaves may be plentiful while submerged plants are scarce. This provides genus-level ecological context rather than a complete site description for this species.

Aquarium setup

Choose a mature aquarium with stable conditions. Cover sand or gravel with rounded stones, including some raised rocks with flat upper surfaces. Create both hiding places and interrupted sightlines. Seasoned wood and hardy plants are optional; strongly tannin-releasing new wood can darken a layout intended for clear-water stream fish.

Combine filtration and aeration to maintain oxygen. Suggested circulation is approximately 10–15 tank volumes an hour, with 5–10 feasible where oxygenation is good. Change around 30–50% of the water weekly and increase surface agitation at warmer temperatures. Secure the cover and all openings against climbing and jumping fish.

Diet & feeding

A predatory diet resembling that of related species is considered probable. This does not establish a complete species-specific menu or confirm acceptance of prepared foods.

Behaviour & compatibility

Carefully selected peaceful open-water fishes may be suitable. Avoid large companions, aggressive feeders, and fishes that strongly defend the lower aquarium, including most cichlids. Males may show territorial behavior, so provide space and separated shelters. Genus-level guidance suggests starting with one male and at least two females.

Sexual dimorphism

Females are expected to be less colorful, but this remains unconfirmed. Color alone is not a secure sexing method.

Breeding

The genus has an amphidromous life cycle: adults reproduce in streams, larvae move downstream into marine conditions, and developing juveniles eventually return upstream. Courtship and spawning observations do not amount to a reliable aquarium rearing procedure through all stages.

Notes

A few private collectors may have kept this fish. Similar appearance, unreliable labeling, and absent locality information make identification difficult among these gobies.