Description

Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
Hardy, personable, and a favorite for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike—especially when paired with a pistol shrimp.

Description:

The Yellow Watchman Goby, also known as the Yellow Prawn Goby or Yellow Shrimp Goby, is a stocky, bright yellow fish with electric blue spots on the head and body. It’s famous for forming symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp (usually Alpheus randalli), where the shrimp digs and maintains a burrow while the goby keeps watch.

• Size: Up to 4 inches

• Coloration: Solid yellow with blue highlights; some may show faint white bands or blotching

• Lifespan: 5–7 years

• Temperament: Peaceful, though can be territorial with similar species

Care Requirements:

Tank Size:

• Minimum 20 gallons (30+ gallons preferred if pairing with a shrimp or kept with other bottom dwellers)

Diet:

• Carnivorous

• Eats a wide range of foods including:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp

  • Finely chopped seafood

  • High-quality pellets or flakes formulated for carnivores

• Feed 1–2 times per day

Behavior:

• Bottom-dwelling; spends most time perched near its burrow

• Very peaceful, except toward similar gobies or burrow-dwellers

• Known to “watch” its surroundings and retreat quickly when threatened

• Often pairs with pistol shrimp in a symbiotic relationship—fascinating to observe

Reef Compatibility:

• 100% reef-safe

• Will not harm corals or invertebrates

• May sift small sand particles, but not destructively

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.023–1.025

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Aquascape Tips:

• Sandy substrate is a must (fine to medium grain)

• Provide rockwork or rubble for burrow-making

• Use a secure lid—they are known jumpers

• If pairing with a pistol shrimp, introduce both together and provide plenty of rubble zones

Special Notes:

• Can be kept singly or as a bonded pair (goby+goby or goby+shrimp)

• Generally hardy and easy to care for

• Excellent choice for peaceful reef or community tanks