Lipstick goby

Sicyopus jonklaasi, the lipstick goby, is a species of goby endemic to Sri Lanka 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 4.5 centimetres (1.8 in) TL. The lipstick goby is now commonly found in the aquarium trade.

Lipstick goby
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Gobiiformes
Family:	Oxudercidae
Genus:	Sicyopus
Species:	S. jonklaasi
Binomial name
Sicyopus jonklaasi (H. R. Axelrod, 1972)
Synonyms
Gobius jonklaasi H. R. Axelrod, 1972 Sicyopus jonklaasi Klausewitz & Henrich, 1986

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, 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 the 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.