All fish / Gobiidae

Bluespotted Watchman Goby

Cryptocentrus pavoninoides

Also known as blue spotted watchman goby, peacock shrimp goby, pavonine shrimp goby, blue-spotted shrimp goby

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This goby is a stocky, elongate fish with a tan to brown body marked with pale saddles and small bright blue spots, and a tall dorsal fin. Keepers buy it mainly to see it live with a pistol shrimp: the shrimp digs and keeps up a burrow that both animals share, and the goby keeps watch at the entrance.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Single fish or a mated pair; may pair with a pistol shrimp

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood and meaty frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, northern Australia

Breeding

It spawns in its burrow and the male guards the eggs. There are few reports of it being raised in captivity, because the larvae are tiny and planktonic.

Good to know

Give it a deep sand bed and a tight-fitting lid, as it can jump. It may fight with other shrimp gobies of its own size, and it can be confused with similar Cryptocentrus species when sold.