Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

It is a peaceful, somewhat timid fish that relies heavily on its symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp for safety. It acts as the lookout, warning the nearly blind shrimp of approaching danger with a flick of its tail. It only shows aggression toward other benthic gobies that encroach on its specific territory.

Diet

Carnivore

This species is a carnivore that naturally feeds on small benthic invertebrates. In captivity, it eagerly accepts frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and sinking micropellets. Ensuring the food reaches the bottom near its burrow is essential for proper feeding.

Sex ratio

Flexible

They should be kept singly or as a specifically acquired mated pair. Introducing multiple males into the same aquarium will inevitably lead to aggressive territorial disputes. Because visual sexing is nearly impossible, acquiring an established pair is the safest option.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

It should be fed small meaty meals once or twice a day. Target feeding using a turkey baster or long pipette directly over its burrow is highly recommended. It will rarely venture far from its safe haven to compete for food in the water column.

Bioload

The Diagonal Shrimpgoby contributes a relatively light bioload to the aquarium. It is a small, relatively inactive species that does not require massive amounts of food. Its minimal waste production makes it an excellent choice for modestly sized nano reefs.

Flow

Strong

It prefers a gentle to moderate water flow near the substrate. Strong, turbulent currents can easily collapse its burrow and cause significant stress. A calm environment allows it to comfortably observe its surroundings from its burrow entrance.

Jump risk

Yes

Like almost all gobies, it poses a severe jump risk when frightened or harassed. A tightly fitting aquarium cover or fine mesh lid is completely necessary. Open-topped tanks are highly unsuitable and will likely result in the loss of the fish.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Captive breeding is possible but rare, usually occurring when paired with a symbiotic pistol shrimp. Eggs are laid deep within the shrimp's complex burrow and guarded fiercely by the male goby. The resulting larvae are microscopic and require advanced planktonic rearing techniques.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

It is an incredibly peaceful fish that makes a perfect addition to a community reef tank. It poses absolutely no threat to corals or most ornamental invertebrates. It should not be housed with aggressive, fast-swimming, or large predatory fish that might eat it.

Tank level

Bottom

It is an obligate bottom-dwelling species that rarely leaves the sandy substrate. It spends its entire life hovering just outside the entrance of its constructed burrow. It relies entirely on the live rock and deep sand bed for its security.