I first came across this species as an accidental import amongst batches of "Hong Kong Plecs"(Gastromyzon sp.).Since these fish have been available from time to time under various common names, such as " Red Cheek Gobies", "Red Kneck Gobies", and "Hong Kong Gobies".
They are small fish, about two inches long when fully grown,and hail from southern China and Hong Kong. Males can be recognised by the presence of red stripes and spots in the throat area, below the operculum and the larger appearence of the head. These stripes are particularly visible when the males display to each other or to the passing females. The display involves the males tipping his head up and back, flaring the membranes to expose the full extent of his red stripes. Males also have brighter markings on the dorsal fins, notably the first dorsal, which has a `metallic` patch on the upper half.
Females are usually grey/brown, with darker stripes and blotches on the back and sides.
Both sexes have a cream band that runs around the head, from operculum to operculum, just under the level of the eyes.
In the wild they inhabit fresh water streams, and seem to appreciate a good current in the tank. I keep these fish in trios, a male and two females, in small tanks, (18x12x12 inches)with a sand substrate and flat rocks as cover. Temperature is maintained around 23 C. pH 7.1 and hardness 15 dGH. The sand I use is swimming pool filter sand, which is fairly coarse.
Filtration is by a small internal power filter, which also provides a suitable degree of water movement in the small tank.
Males are territorial, defending a cave which they dig under the
rockwork. Females ignore the male posing and posturing until they are ready to
breed,when they will join the male in his cave. I have not yet witnessed the
actual spawning as the cave roof is rarely higher than 1/4" and the
excavated sand is piled up around the entrance, restricting access and vision.
The absence of adult fish is a good indicator of spawing activity, especally if
the female has joined the male in his cave. The female will be out and about
again next morning noticeably thinner, if spawning has hsa occurred. The male
stays inhiding, guarding and fanning the eggs, and does not come out even when
food is introduced.
Twenty to thirty well developed 1/4"
fry hatch after about two weeks, and are capable of eating brine shrimp nauplii
and microworms a couple of days later, when the yolk sac has been absorbed. At
this point the adult fish should be removed, to prevent them from eating the
fry, which will grow steadily on a diet of small live foods showing a preference
for worms (grindal, white and tubifex)