I first came across this species as an accidental import amongst batches
of 'Hong Kong Plecs'. (Gastrpmyzon sp.). Since then these fish have 
been available from time to time under various common names, such as
"Red Cheek Gobies", "Red Neck Gobies", and "Hong Kong Gobies".

They are small fish, about 2" long when fully grown, which hail from
Southern China and Hong Kong. Males can be recognised by the 
prescence of red strips and spots in the throat area, below the
operculum, and the larger appearance of the head. These stripes are
particularly visible when the males display to each other or to passing
females. The display involves the male tipping his head up and back,
flaring the membranes to expose the full extent of his red stripes. Males
also have brighter markings on their dorsal fins, notably the first dorsal,
which has a 'metallic' patch on the upper half. Females are usually
grey / brown, with darker stripes and blotches on the back and sides.
Both sexes have a cream band which runs around the head, from
operculum to operculum, just under the level of the eyes.

In the wild they inhabit freshwater streams, and seem to appreciate a
good current in their tank. I keep these fish in trios, a male and two
females, in small tanks, (18" x 12" x 12"), with a sand substrate and
flat rocks as cover.

Temperature is maintained around 23C., pH 7.1 and hardness 15dGH.

The sand I use is swimming pool filter sand, which is fairly coarse.

Filteration is provided by a Rena 'Filty' internal filter, which also 
provides a suitable degree of water movement in the small tank.

Twenty to thirty well developed 1/4" fry hatch after two  weeks, and are
capable of taking brine shrimp nauplii and micro worms a couple of days
later, when the yolk sac has been absorbed. At this point the adult fish
should be removed, to prevent them eating the fry, which will grow 
steadly on a diet of small live foods, showing a preferance for worms,
(grindal, white and tubifex).

Males are territorial, defending a cave which they dig under the rocks.
Females ignore the males posing and posturing until they are ready to
breed, when they will join the male in his cave. I haven't witnessed the
actual spawning, as the cave roof is rarely higher than 1/4" and the
excavated sand is piled around the entrance, restricting access and
vision. The absence of the adult fish is a good indicator of spawning
activity, especially if the female has joined the male in his cave. The 
female will be out and about again the next morning, noticeably thinner
if spawing has occured. The male stays in hiding, guarding and fanning
the eggs, and doesn't come out even when food is introduced.

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