All fish / Gobiidae

Randall's Shrimp Goby

Amblyeleotris randalli

Also known as randall's goby, randalls shrimp goby, randall's prawn goby, orange-striped shrimp goby, flagfin prawn goby, yes, randalli goby, randall goby, ヒレナガネジリンボウ, 兰道氏钝塘鳢, 兰德尔虾虎

A slim white goby with orange to red bands across its body and a tall sail-like first dorsal fin marked with a dark eyespot. It is kept for its striking looks and for its fascinating partnership with pistol shrimps, which dig a shared burrow while the goby keeps watch.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Single or a mated pair, ideally with an Alpheus pistol shrimp

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, small pellets and frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea to Palau, Ryukyu Islands and Fiji

Breeding

Pairs lay eggs inside the burrow and the male guards them until they hatch. The larvae are tiny and planktonic, so captive rearing is rare and difficult.

Good to know

Needs a deep fine sand bed and a tight-fitting lid, as it may jump when startled. Avoid housing with large aggressive fish or other territorial burrowing gobies.