Pinkspotted Shrimp Goby
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Living in commensal relationships with snapping shrimps, the shrimp gobies make fascinating aquarium specimens. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This stunning shrimp goby is a fascinating addition to the home aquarium, especially if you can acquire its shrimp partner as well. The goby and shrimp are reported by some observers to team up for life, and it is always a shame to see them separated. A lone shrimp goby can be housed with an alpheid shrimp species, such as the common Tiger Snapping Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus), they may form a bond and share a burrow.
Family: Gobiidae
Other common name(s):
- Singapore Shrimp Goby
- Pinkspotted Watchman Goby
- Pink-speckled Prawn Goby
- Pink-speckled Shrimp Goby
Native range:
Habitat: Reef-sand interface. Provide some burrows or holes near the aquarium bottom where this fish can hide if you do not keep it with its burrowing partner shrimp.
Maximum length: 15 cm (6 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 76 L (20 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. Feed meaty fresh and frozen foods—which will be eaten by both fish and shrimp—at least once a day.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
This is a larger shrimp goby that may occasionally exhibit aggression toward others of its ilk, as well as small, passive fish species. That said, it is not overly belligerent. It has been known to eat ornamental shrimps, but is not a threat to other invertebrates.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Demersal (on or near the bottom) spawners that tend and protect their broods.
[edit] Notes
This fish typically rests on the bottom, with its head protruding from a burrow or cave on the floor of the aquarium. It will swim into the water column to feed on floating food particles. It is an able jumper, so keep a top on its tank.
| Common name | Pinkspotted Shrimp Goby +, Singapore Shrimp Goby +, Pinkspotted Watchman Goby +, Pink-speckled Prawn Goby +, and Pink-speckled Shrimp Goby + |
| Family | Gobiidae + |
| Genus | Cryptocentrus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 6 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 20 gal + |
| Native range | Indian Ocean +, Western Pacific +, Indonesia +, Yaeyama Islands +, Australia +, Tonga +, and New Caledonia + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | leptocephalus + |
| Swimming level | Bottom. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |