Pinkspotted Shrimp Goby

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Pacific, distributed from Indonesia to New Caledonia, north to the Yaeyama Islands in Japan. Inhabits shallow muddy or sandy coastal lagoons.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Gobiidae. Reaches approximately 12 cm in length. Features a robust and elongated body, a broad head with a large mouth and fleshy lips adapted for sifting sand.

Social Behavior: Territorial bottom dweller. Establishes a strong mutualistic symbiosis with pistol shrimp of the genus Alpheus. Strongly defends the entrance of its burrow from other bottom fish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light brown or cream-colored background marked by a myriad of bright pink/orange spots ringed with blue on the head and body. Fins are sometimes spotted. No clear visual sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 120 liters (32 gallons). A deep fine sand bed (at least 5-8 cm) mixed with shell rubble is vital to allow natural burrowing behavior.

Diet and Feeding: Opportunistic carnivore. Accepts small frozen foods easily: mysis, krill, brine shrimp, and sinking pellets. Ensure food reaches the bottom where the goby feeds.

Water Quality: Hardy and tolerant. pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.023-1.025, dKH 8-12, temperature 22-27°C (72-80°F). Great choice for beginners due to high adaptability.

Compatibility and Tankmates: 100% reef-safe. Coexists peacefully with open-water fish. Can show territorial aggression toward other bottom-dwelling gobies if bottom space is limited.

Aquarium Reproduction: Aquarium reproduction is occasional. Eggs laid in the burrow hatch in a few nights, but the planctonic larvae require complex feeding management.

Risks and Diseases: High jump risk: cover the aquarium thoroughly. Provide additional rocky crevices for shelter.