Goby Fish listed by their common and scientific names to read profiles on each species, which includes information on their identification, characteristics, compatibility, diet, feeding, reef tank suitability, and more about the care of these fishes in aquariums.
Banded Sleeper Goby
Photo by Darryl Craig
The Banded Sleeper Goby (Amblygobius phalaena) uses shallow burrows in the substrate as refuge, keeping the substrate well oxygenated. It is rarely aggressive towards other fish, however it is territorial, and will fight with others of the same species unless they are a mated pair.
Blackray Shrimp Goby
Tom Hynes
Also known as the Hi Fin Red Banded Goby, the Blackray Shrimp Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes) is a terrific little fish for a passive community aquarium. When purchasing this Goby, it is best to acquire a mated pair and their symbiotic shrimp Alpheus randalli. Mated pairs of this fish will usually be found hovering near the entrance of their burrow, except at feeding time, when they become aggressive feeders. Individual fishes of this species will fight, especially males in smaller tanks.
Diagonal Bar Prawn Goby
The Diagonal Bar Prawn Goby uses shallow burrows in the substrate as refuge, keeping the substrate well oxygenated. It is rarely aggressive towards other fish, however it is territorial, and will fight with others of the same species unless they are a mated pair.Orange Spotted Goby
The Orange Spotted Goby (Amblyeleotris guttata) does pose a possible threat to small ornamental shrimp. It prefers a substrate of fine sand and loose coral rubble to sift through.It is possible for this Goby to spawn successfully in an aquarium.
Orange Stripe Prawn Goby
Keoki Stender
Also known as the Randall's Goby, the body of the Orange Stripe Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli) is white with orange stripes, with one orange stripe over the eyes and around its entire head. The male may be identified by the fan-like dorsal fin that bears an eye spot.
Pink Spotted Watchman Goby
Larry Jordan
Also known as the Pink and Blue Spotted, Singapore Shrimp, Leptocephalus Prawn, or Pinkspotted Shrimp Goby, it is rarely aggressive towards other fish, however it is territorial, and will fight with others of the same species unless they are a mated pair. This Goby will also jump out of a tank, so a tight fitting lid is recommended.
Pinkbar Goby
The Pinkbar Goby's (Cryptocentrus aurora) body is silver with pink rings, and a yellowish colored tail with bright pink dots outlined in blue.Steinitz Prawn Goby
Keoki Stender
The Steinitz Prawn Goby (Amblyeleotris steinitzi) prefers a peaceful tank with plenty of hiding places. Small groups or pairs tend to do better in an aquarium, but need to be introduced to the tank simultaneously.
Wheeler's Watchman Goby
Photo by Keoki Stender
The Wheeler's Watchman Goby (Amblyeleotris wheeleri) is also known as the Wheeler's Prawn, Gorgeous Shrimp Goby or Wheeler's Shrimp Goby. It has It has a white body with broad orange-red bands and tiny blue spots. The dorsal fin has red and blue dots.
Yellow Watchman Goby
Diogo Lopes
The Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) is the most frequently purchased Shrimp Goby for aquariums. This species adapts well to aquarium life and has even spawned in reef aquariums. Only male-female Yellow Shrimp Goby pairs should be put in the same (especially small) tank as these Gobies will attack other Shrimp Gobies.
