Yellow Watchman Goby
Lightning Maroon Clownfish (Captive Bred)
Available for Local pick up only
Lightning Maroon Clownfish – Quick Care Guide
Scientific Name: Premnas biaculeatus
Size: Females up to 6", males 3–4"
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive, territorial
Tank Size: 30+ gallons (single), 55+ gallons (pair)
Diet: Omnivorous – mysis, brine, chopped seafood, pellets, flakes, algae foods
Feeding: 1–2 times daily
Reef Safe: Yes, but may guard corals near territory
Tank Mates: Tangs, larger wrasses, semi-aggressive fish; avoid timid species
Anemone Host: Often pairs with Bubble Tip Anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor)
Care Level: Moderate, hardy when captive bred
Description
Specifications
Video Links
User Manual
Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)
Local Pickup only
Overview
The Yellow Watchman Goby, also known as the Yellow Prawn Goby or Yellow Shrimp Goby, is a beloved reef fish famous for its striking color and fascinating symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimp. With its bright yellow body, comical expression, and sand-sifting habits, this fish is both entertaining and beneficial in a marine aquarium.
Appearance
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Size: Typically reaches 3–4 inches (7–10 cm).
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Coloration: Bright golden yellow body, sometimes with faint blue or white spotting along the fins and body.
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Notable Features: A perpetual “frown” or grumpy expression gives this goby its charming personality.
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Sexual Dimorphism: Males may grow slightly larger and develop extended dorsal fins.
Temperament & Behavior
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Temperament: Peaceful and shy, though it may defend its burrow.
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Activity: Often perches on sand or rocks, keeping watch near its burrow entrance.
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Symbiosis: Forms a mutual relationship with pistol shrimp (Alpheus spp.). The shrimp digs and maintains a shared burrow, while the goby stands guard against predators, alerting the shrimp with tail flicks.
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Burrowing: Relies heavily on sand substrate and rockwork to create safe shelters.
Tank Requirements
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Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 liters).
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Substrate: Fine sand is essential for burrowing.
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Aquascaping: Provide rockwork for cover and burrow stability.
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Lid: Must have a tight-fitting lid—these gobies are jumpers when startled.
Diet & Feeding
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Diet Type: Carnivorous.
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Foods: Frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and sinking pellets.
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Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily.
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Foraging: Will sift sand for small organisms, helping aerate the substrate.
Reef Compatibility
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Reef Safe: Yes. Does not harm corals.
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Benefits: Helps keep sandbed clean and aerated through burrowing and sifting.
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Caution: Burrows may occasionally displace unsecured coral frags or rockwork.
Compatibility
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Good Tank Mates: Clownfish, dartfish, cardinalfish, firefish, peaceful wrasses, and shrimp.
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Special Bond: Best kept with a pistol shrimp partner for fascinating natural behavior.
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Avoid: Aggressive species that may bully or outcompete them for food.
Care Level
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
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Hardiness: Hardy once established, but requires a sand substrate and secure hiding places.
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Special Consideration: More confident and visible when paired with pistol shrimp.
Breeding
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Captive Breeding: Rare but possible in aquariums.
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Reproduction: Form monogamous pairs and spawn in burrows.
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Parental Care: Eggs are usually guarded inside the burrow.
🌟 Fun Facts About the Yellow Watchman Goby
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Grumpy Face: Their downturned mouth gives them a permanent “frown,” making them one of the most expressive-looking reef fish.
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Bodyguards of the Reef: They act as sentinels for pistol shrimp, warning them of danger with tail flicks.
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Sand Keepers: Their burrowing and sifting keep sandbeds oxygenated and healthy.
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Home Lovers: They are highly attached to their burrows—if moved, they’ll quickly dig a new home.
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Shrimp Friendship: The goby-shrimp bond is one of the most famous examples of symbiosis in aquariums and is fascinating to watch.