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Text and photos by Nick Baker, unless credited to others.
Copyright © Ecology Asia 2026

 
     
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

   
   
 
Bumblebee gobies  -  Brachygobius spp.
   
   

Fig 1


Fig 2
 

Fig 3
 


Fig 4
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Order : Perciformes
Family : GOBIIDAE
Species : 9 species as of 2025 (Fishbase)
Maximum Length : Up to 4 cm

Gobies of the genus Brachygobius are  collectively known as 'bumblebee gobies' as their brightly coloured banding resembles the patterning of bumblebees of the genus Bombus. As of 2025 Fishbase recognises 9 species of goby in this genus.

The example shown here, measuring around 3 cm total length, was encountered sheltering amongst mangrove roots in a slightly brackish mangrove inlet connected to the southernmost part of Songkhla Lake, in southern Thailand.

Brachygobius gobies can grow to just 4 cm total length. They have distinctive black and yellow/orange banding. Males take guard over egg clutches after fertilisation. They feed on various zooplankton.

The genus occurs in many parts of coastal Southeast Asia and neighbouring regions.

These gobies are popular aquarium fishes due to their striking appearance and their high survival rate in aquariums. 


Figs 1 and 2 : Brachygobius sp. in a slightly brackish mangrove habitat inlet connected to the southern part of Songkhla Lake, southern Thailand. It measured around 3 cm total length. 

Figs 3 and 4 : Habitat images of the location of the Brachygobius shown in Figures 1 and 2.


References and links :

Larson, H.K. and Lim, K.P. 1997. A Guide to Gobies of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.

Fishbase - Brachygobius 

Wikipedia - Brachygobius