Pink Spotted Watchman Goby
Description
The Pink Spotted Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus leptocephalus) is a hardy, peaceful goby with a bold personality and excellent utility in marine aquariums. It’s known for its symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp and its sand-sifting behavior, which helps keep the substrate clean.
🐟 Pink Spotted Watchman Goby Description:
-
Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus leptocephalus
-
Common Names: Pink Spotted Goby, Pink-Spotted Watchman Goby, Leptocephalus Goby
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific
-
Size: Up to 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
-
Coloration: Light beige to pale gray body with distinct pink to reddish spots, often outlined in iridescent blue; large, expressive eyes and wide mouth
-
Temperament: Peaceful, slightly territorial near its burrow
-
Lifespan: 5–7 years with good care
🧪 Tank Requirements:
-
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (larger preferred for pairs)
-
Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
-
pH Level: 8.1–8.4
-
Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
-
Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
-
Substrate: Fine sand (preferred for digging and burrow construction)
-
Aquascape: Rockwork with plenty of caves and crevices
🍤 Diet:
-
Carnivorous:
-
Frozen mysis shrimp
-
Brine shrimp (enriched)
-
Finely chopped seafood
-
Sinking carnivore pellets and flakes
-
Feed 1–2 times daily; they’ll sift sand for tiny organisms in between meals.
🤝 Compatibility:
-
Reef Safe: Yes – does not harm corals or inverts
-
Tankmates:
-
Peaceful community fish
-
May become territorial toward other gobies or bottom-dwellers in smaller tanks
-
Compatible with pistol shrimp (especially Alpheus randalli) – forms a symbiotic relationship
-
-
Avoid aggressive or very active species that might outcompete it for food
💡 Care Tips:
-
Needs tight-fitting lid – they are jumpers, especially when first introduced
-
Likes to dig and may rearrange substrate around its burrow
-
Will sometimes partially bury corals or move rocks – secure aquascape is important
-
Pairing with a pistol shrimp provides natural behaviors and entertainment
-
May take time to adjust but becomes bold over time
📝 Summary:
Category | Details |
---|---|
Difficulty | Easy |
Reef Safe | Yes |
Diet | Carnivorous |
Max Size | ~5 inches |
Temperament | Peaceful, burrow-territorial |
Best For | Reef tanks with sand substrate |
Additional information
Size | Large, Medium, Small |
---|
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.