''Sicyopus jonklaasi'', the lipstick goby, is a species of

goby The Gobioidei are a suborder of percomorph fish. Many of these fishes are called gobies. It is by far the largest and most diverse order within the order Gobiiformes, and one of the most diverse groups of ray-finned fish in general. The subord ...

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found only in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also foun ...

Sri Lanka Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, also known historically as Ceylon, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian subcontinent, ...

where they occur in rocky hill streams of swift-flowing water. They having sucking discs on their undersides with which they adhere to the sides of rocks. Newly hatched larvae are washed to the sea by heavy flows brought on by rains and mature there before returning to the streams. This species can reach a length of TL. The lipstick goby is now commonly found in the

aquarium An aquarium (: aquariums or aquaria) is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which aquatic plants or animals are kept and displayed. fishkeeping, Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, aquati ...

trade.

Native habitat

The lipstick goby requires specific habitat characteristic to thrive. Lipstick gobies are found in clear, fast flowing, and well oxygenated water. The combination of strong currents and direct sunlight creates a biofilm, this is where the ideal habitat for the lipstick goby is found

Diet

Lipstick gobies are

omnivorous An omnivore () is an animal that regularly consumes significant quantities of both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and animal matter, omnivores digest carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and metabolize ...

, preferring to graze on algae, microorganisms, and detritus that forms on rocks in their natural habitat. When kept in a personal aquarium, it is essential that lipstick gobs are fed a diet of mostly algae or plant material, high protein foods such as blood worms or brine shrimp should also be offered occasionally.

Water parameters

A well cycled aquarium and pristine water quality is essential for the lipstick goby when kept in aquarium settings. The lipstick goby prefers a PH of 6.5-7.5, GH of 2-10, TDS of 36-215, water temperature of 71-82 degrees Fahrenheit (22-28 degrees Celsius). These specific water parameters often present a challenge when kept in home aquarium, as the lipstick goby is sensitive to changes in parameters.

Compatible tankmates

The lipstick goby is generally quite peaceful except during times of breeding where males will get quite territorial. A densely planted or decorated tank with areas for the lipstick goby and other aquarium inhabitants to hide and form their own territories will ensure aggression stays to a minimum. Generally, the lipstick goby will do quite well with other peaceful fish who prefer similar water parameters and temperature.

Physical description

The Lipstick goby is characterized by vibrant red coloration around their lips and on their bellies. The distinct red coloration on their lips resembles lipstick, thus their name. They also often have orange accents on the back ends of their bodies. This red coloration around lips and belly is distinctly more vibrant in males than females.

Breeding

In home aquariums, Lipstick gobies are most likely to breed when the water quality is pristine and well oxygenated with a high flow rate. Males will attract females and defend their breeding territories. Breeding is often on flat surfaces, sometimes in a cave or crevice.

Sexual dimorphism

Male lipstick gobies are generally more vibrant and tend to display their fins more than females. Males have a more distinguishable pattern on their bodies where females are more dull in coloration. Female lipstick gobs also tend to be larger with more filled out bodies than males.

References

Fish of Sri Lanka jonklaasi Taxa named by Herbert R. Axelrod Taxonomy articles created by Polbot Fish described in 1972 {{Oxudercidae-stub Tropical fish Freshwater fish