Yasha goby

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Pacific: from southern Japan to Indonesia and New Caledonia. Found in deep sandy areas near reef drop-offs at 15-40 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Gobiidae family. Small, slender body. The first dorsal spine is elongated into a long, white flag-like ray. Grows to 5 cm (2 inches).

Social Behavior: Symbiotic. Shares a burrow with the pistol shrimp Alpheus randalli, alerting the shrimp with tail-flick signals when predators approach.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Striking coloration consisting of red and white vertical stripes. Yellow-orange face. A dark spot is present on the anal fin. No visible sexual differences.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank volume of 60 liters (15 gallons). Provide a 5 cm deep sandy substrate mixed with coral rubble. Secure lid is mandatory due to high jump risk.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on zooplankton. Feed daily frozen copepods, baby brine shrimp, and finely chopped mysis. Target feed near the burrow.

Water Quality: Keep standard marine parameters stable: temperature 22-27°C (72-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Peaceful. Symbiosis with Alpheus randalli is highly recommended. Do not house with predatory bottom fish. 100% reef safe.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawns in burrow. No successful domestic breeding reports due to difficult pelagic larval rearing.

Risks and Diseases: Jump hazard. Hardy once established with a shrimp partner, but vulnerable if it cannot find shelter.