Care
The Threadfin Funky Goby is known from small, clear coastal creeks and rainforest streams with moderate to fast current. Here these sicydiine (rock-climbing/toothed-lip) gobies graze on aufwuchs growing on the rocky substrate, hanging on in the swiftly flowing waters with their highly modified pelvic fins. To keep these fish successfully in the home aquarium, this type of high-velocity habitat must be replicated by use of extra powerheads (in addition to the return flow from filters) to create a river type effect. The surface of the water should be visibly moving to ensure that there is a high amount of oxygenation within the water at all times. An additional air-pump is also a handy back-up. Without such a high level of oxygenation and water movement, Threadfin Funky Gobies will not fare well at all. It is very important that these fish are only be added to aquariums that are biologically mature. Such tanks will have a good established growth of algae for the fish to graze upon in order to consume the micro-organisms within, and will provide a source of nourishment whilst the fish may be adapting to the taking of prepared foods. The front glass can be wiped free of algae, but it is recommended that you allow algae to freely colonise the sides and back glass, and over the décor. Lighting should be bright in order to encourage a decent amount of algal growth. Ideally, the aquarium will be at least 48" long, and contain a multitude of hiding spots amongst rocks, cobbles and bogwood. Flat smooth rocks should be placed in the path of the flow, where these fish will often congregate. Plants can be incorporated into the river style aquarium, but not all species will flourish under the extreme flow conditions. Having said this, many aquarists have had a good deal of success with Anubias species, Java moss (Taxiphyllum barbieri), Java fern (Microsorum sp.) and some species of Cryptocoryne. Plants are not found in any great abundance in the natural habitat of Threadfin Funky Gobies, so are not considered essential, but they will help with water quality and will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing. Tankmates should be of similar size and peaceful temperament, and enjoy the same fast-flowing conditions e.g. danionins, small barbs, and loaches. May also be seen on sale as Longfin Suckermouth Goby, Sumatran Genghis Khan Goby, or Threadfin Goby.
Feeding
Omnivorous but with a preference for greenfoods. Although these fish will graze upon the natural algae within the aquarium for the small micro-organisms it may contain, the diet must be supplemented with small frozen foods such as Spirulina/vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, daphnia etc. Many specimens will also adapt to taking dried foods such as sinking catfish pellets, algae wafers, and sheets of Nori, although frozen foods tend to be preferred. Some will also enjoy grazing on cucumber, blanched spinach, and kale.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium due to the complex larval stage. In the wild, minute adhesive eggs are deposited/fertilised on the lower faces of rocks. The eggs hatch within 24-48 hours and the transparent larvae are carried out to the ocean where they spend several weeks as ichthyoplankton. The developed larvae ascend the water course from the mouth of the river to their upstream freshwater habitat. Amazingly, the pelvic fin suction disc allows postlarval and juvenile sicydiines to climb steep gradients, even waterfalls with overhanging rock surfaces.
