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
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.