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Taenioides cirratus

Bearded Worm Goby

Authority not recorded

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Quick facts

Length
300mm SL12in SL
Tank base
not recorded
Temp
22–27°C72–81°F
pH
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–20dGH

Difficulty3 of 6 measures

Moderate

More bars, more demanding.

Space
very large tank
Water
mild adjustment
Temp
unfussy
Temperament
unknown
Social
unknown
Compatibility
unknown

Something for the true oddball enthusiast, this bizarre looking goby has been imported at least once over the last few years. It's a mud-burrowing species that digs networks of sloping tunnels in the substrate in nature. Apparently each series of burrows has several openings, one of which has a mound outside. According to Itani and Uchino (2003), this mound suggests that the fish "actively process sediment". Even more odd is its appearance (see picture). It has greatly reduced eye...

Distribution

India, Bangladesh, Andaman Islands, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Phillipines, Indonesia, New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea.

Habitat

Inhabits coastal, usually estuarine waters where it lives in burrows in the muddy substrate.

Aquarium size

Standard length
300mm SL12in SL
Aquarium base
not recorded

Likely to be quite inactive. An aquarium of 48" x 12" x 12" (75cm x 12cm x 12cm) - 70 litres should suffice.

Maintenance

The most important aspects would seem to be the provision of brackish (1.005-1.015 sg) water and a soft, deep substrate into which the fish can burrow. Dim lighting is advisable, seeing as this fish spends the majority of its life in the dark. Other decor does not really seem necessary.

Water conditions

Temperature
22–27°C72–81°F
pH
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–20dGH

Temperature: Given its natural distribution, a temperature in the range 72-82°F (22-27°C) would seem advisable.

pH: 7.5-8.5

Hardness: It's an estuarine species, so hardness of 10-20°H would seem appropriate.

Diet

Apparently feeds on crustaceans and small fish in nature, and is therefore likely to accept the usual frozen and live fare such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and chopped prawn in the aquarium.

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Behaviour and compatibility

Should certainly not be kept with anything small enough to be considered food. Given its weird looks and special requirements it's probably worthy of a species setup.

Sexual dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Unknown and in all honesty unlikely to occur. It isn't even fully known how it reproduces in nature.

Notes

Something for the true oddball enthusiast, this bizarre looking goby has been imported at least once over the last few years. It's a mud-burrowing species that digs networks of sloping tunnels in the substrate in nature. Apparently each series of burrows has several openings, one of which has a mound outside. According to Itani and Uchino (2003), this mound suggests that the fish "actively process sediment". Even more odd is its appearance (see picture). It has greatly reduced eyes, specialised bronchial chambers which mean it can breathe air (allowing it so survive out of water for some time) and most crazy of all has teeth on the outside of its mouth!

Profile completeness14 of 24

58% complete

Missing: aquarium size, a photograph, photograph credits, references, a recorded distribution, taxonomic authority, temperament, social needs, community suitability, etymology.