Wheeler's Shrimp Goby

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Tropical Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Fiji. Inhabits sheltered coastal lagoons and detrital or sandy areas near corals between 5 and 40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Gobiidae. Reaches about 10 cm. Elongated body with large, protruding steerable eyes and a wide terminal mouth to swallow sand.

Social Behavior: Shy and entirely peaceful fish. Associates with pistol shrimp that construct and maintain the nest, offering in exchange excellent visual vigilance from predators.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Cream-colored body crossed by wide alternating red-orange and burgundy transverse bands. Iridescent blue spots scattered along the flanks and dorsal fins.

Aquarium Setup: Requires aquariums with a fine sand bed of minimum 6-8 cm (2.5-3 inches) thickness. Add pebbles and shell fragments that the shrimp will use as support beams for the burrow.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivore. Offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and small pieces of shrimp or mollusk. Target-feeding is recommended to ensure proper feeding.

Water Quality: pH 8.0-8.5, temperature 22-27°C (72-82°F), specific gravity 1.020-1.026. Water must be well oxygenated and nitrates kept low.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal for reef tanks with soft and hard corals. Coexists with small, peaceful fish (anthias, clownfish). Avoid large predators.

Aquarium Reproduction: Reproduction not documented in captivity. Spawning takes place inside the burrow and is actively protected by the male.

Risks and Diseases: Frequently jumps out of the tank if startled. The use of a protective screen or a complete glass lid is mandatory.