The yellow watchman goby is a stocky, bright-yellow bottom dweller famous for forming symbiotic partnerships with pistol shrimp. The shrimp digs and maintains a shared burrow while the goby stands guard, alert for predators with its large, expressive eyes. This mutualistic pair is one of the most entertaining relationships to observe in a reef tank.
Steckbrief
| Scientific name | Cryptocentrus cinctus |
| Max size | 4 in (10 cm) |
| Min tank size | 20 gal (75 L) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Reef safe | Yes |
| Care level | Easy |
| Origin | Western Pacific |
Überblick
The following sections detail exactly how to keep this species thriving in a saltwater reef environment.
Beckenanforderungen
Provide a sand bed at least 2 inches deep for burrowing. If pairing with a pistol shrimp, add both simultaneously so they can find each other. A single goby or goby-shrimp pair works in a 20-gallon tank. They prefer the lower third of the tank and rarely swim in open water. Place rock rubble near the sand for burrow construction material.
Wasserparameter
Maintain standard reef aquarium parameters for long-term health:
- Temperature: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)
- pH: 8.0–8.4
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 sg
- Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
- Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm (lower is better for a reef)
Stability is more important than hitting a specific number. Avoid sudden swings in any parameter.
Ernährung und Fütterung
Feed meaty foods such as frozen Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped clam, and sinking marine pellets. They feed from the substrate, so ensure food reaches the bottom. Feed once or twice daily. They also scavenge uneaten food from the sand bed.
Verhalten und Verträglichkeit
Very peaceful and compatible with most reef fish. Avoid keeping with other bottom-dwelling gobies unless the tank is large with distinct territories. They may squabble with their own species. Excellent with clownfish, cardinalfish, wrasses, and blennies.
Zucht
Yellow watchman gobies are substrate spawners that lay eggs inside their burrow. The male guards the eggs. Spawning occurs regularly in captivity but raising the planktonic larvae is challenging.
Tipps für den Erfolg
- Pair with a Randall's or tiger pistol shrimp for the full symbiotic experience.
- Add the goby and shrimp at the same time and near the same spot in the tank.
- Provide fine sand (oolite or sugar-sized) for easy burrowing.
- They may rearrange sand and small rubble around their burrow entrance—this is normal.
- A lid is recommended as they can jump when startled, though less frequently than firefish.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Do I need a pistol shrimp with a watchman goby?
No, but it is highly recommended for the fascinating symbiotic behavior. The goby will do fine alone, but the pairing adds incredible interest and natural behavior to your tank.
Will a watchman goby sift my sand bed?
They move sand while constructing and maintaining their burrow, but they are not true sand sifters like diamond gobies. They will not keep your entire sand bed turned over.
Can I keep two watchman gobies?
Only if the tank is large enough (50+ gallons) for each to establish a separate territory. In smaller tanks, two watchman gobies will fight over burrow sites.
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