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: