Zhou's goby

Zhou's goby is a small, brightly coloured freshwater goby endemic to a handful of hillstreams near Lianhuashan in Haifeng County, Guangdong Province, China. First described in 2009, males develop vivid red-and-blue markings during the breeding season and are highly territorial toward one another, while females remain more subdued in colour. They reach about 3.6 cm standard length and require cool, well-oxygenated water with a temperature of 19–24°C and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 7.0–7.8. A tank with a footprint of at least 60 × 30 cm (roughly 54 litres) gives a small group enough space; decor should include rounded pebbles, driftwood, and a sandy substrate to replicate the streambed. Strong filtration and regular water changes of 30–50% weekly are essential, as this species is sensitive to organic waste. Rhinogobius zhoui is an insectivore that prefers live or frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworms, and brine shrimp; it may accept high-quality dried foods but should not rely on them exclusively. Although males are territorial, they actually do best in the presence of rival conspecifics: keep at least two males together with an equal or greater number of females, and give each male a cave to defend so that disputes rarely cause real harm. Avoid housing with long-finned or slow-moving tankmates. This goby will prey on dwarf shrimp and should not be kept with Caridina or Neocaridina. Breeding has been achieved in captivity: the pair selects a cave, the male guards the clutch of around 30–50 eggs, and fry emerge after 13–21 days.