Twin-spot Shrimpgoby
Amblyeleotris biguttata
A symbiotic goby characterized by two distinct dark spots under its chin, highly cooperative with Alpheus shrimps. It is reef-safe and perfect for peaceful community setups.
Température de l’eau
22 - 26 °C
Valeur du pH
8.1 - 8.4
Type d'eau
Marin
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
11 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 80 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Western Pacific: Philippines to northern Australia. Inhabits sandy lagoons, outer reef slopes, and bays at depths between 1 and 25 meters.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Genus Amblyeleotris, family Gobiidae. Cylindrical, elongated body with large eyes positioned high on the head. Grows to 11.0 cm.
Social Behavior: Symbiotic. Shares a sandy burrow with snapping shrimps of the genus Alpheus in a cooperative relationship.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The name 'biguttata' describes the pair of dark throat spots unique to this species. No strong sexual dimorphism; mature males may display slightly taller or more patterned dorsal fins. The symmetrical arrangement of the two dark gular spots is a primary diagnostic character for field biologists. Adult specimens tend to display robust pelvic fins, which they use to anchor themselves firmly onto sandy surfaces against gentle tidal currents.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Needs a tank of at least 80.0 liters with a fine sand bed of 5-8 cm depth. Secure rockwork directly to the glass bottom to prevent collapses.
Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on zooplankton and small benthic organisms. Feed mysis, brine shrimp, and small pellets close to the burrow entrance.
Water Quality: Standard marine conditions: temperature 22.0-26.0 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: 100% reef-safe. Perfect for peaceful community tanks. Keeping them with a symbiotic Alpheus shrimp is highly recommended.
Aquarium Breeding: Oviparous. Eggs are laid inside the burrow and guarded by the pair; raising the larvae in captivity is extremely rare.
Risks and Diseases: Jump risk when startled. Heavy digging by the symbiotic shrimp can destabilize poorly placed rocks. It is highly recommended to avoid using copper-based medications in the presence of symbiotic invertebrates. Furthermore, to prevent the fish from wasting away during the initial days after introduction, target feeding with vitamin-enriched mysis near the burrow is advised.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Western Pacific: Philippines to northern Australia. Inhabits sandy lagoons, outer reef slopes, and bays at depths between 1 and 25 meters.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAsie du Sud et du Sud-EstAustralie, Nouvelle-Guinée et Océanie
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Territorial
- The Amblyeleotris biguttata possesses a generally peaceful yet somewhat timid and cautious temperament. It relies completely on its burrow as a safe haven, retreating instantly at any sign of perceived danger. In the wild and in captivity, it acts as the vigilant lookout while its visually impaired shrimp partner maintains their shared home.
- Régime alimentaire
- Carnivore
- In its natural habitat, the Amblyeleotris biguttata functions as a micro-predator, consuming benthic invertebrates and passing zooplankton. Captive specimens typically adapt quickly to a carnivorous diet consisting of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and sinking micropellets. Ensuring that food reaches the lower levels of the aquarium is essential for their long-term nutritional health.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 11 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Pair
- It is generally advisable to keep the Amblyeleotris biguttata singly unless you can acquire a confirmed mated pair. Attempting to house two males or incompatible individuals in the same tank often leads to severe territorial disputes. A harmonious pair will usually share a single burrow and collaborate with the same pistol shrimp.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- To support their metabolic needs, the Amblyeleotris biguttata should be offered small meals one to two times daily. Frequent, appropriately sized feedings are far more beneficial than infrequent large meals. Target feeding near the entrance of their burrow often yields the best results and ensures they outcompete faster tank mates.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- The Amblyeleotris biguttata has a minimal bioload, making it an excellent candidate for reef aquariums of various sizes. Because of its small physical stature and efficient metabolism, it contributes very little waste to the water column. This characteristic helps aquarists maintain pristine water parameters without putting undue stress on biological filtration systems.
- Courant
- Strong
- The Amblyeleotris biguttata strongly prefers areas of the tank with low to moderate water flow. Gentle currents allow them to hover comfortably above the substrate without expending excessive energy. Furthermore, calmer water facilitates clear tactile communication with their symbiotic shrimp partner.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- Like most members of its genus, the Amblyeleotris biguttata presents a significant risk of jumping out of an open aquarium. Startling events, such as abrupt lighting changes or aggressive encounters, can trigger a panic response. A tight-fitting lid or a specialized mesh screen is a mandatory requirement to prevent loss of life.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- The Amblyeleotris biguttata is a demersal spawner, carefully depositing its eggs within the protected confines of its substrate burrow. After fertilization, the male typically assumes the role of guarding the clutch until the fry hatch. While captive breeding is quite rare in home aquaria, it can sometimes be achieved in dedicated breeding setups with pristine conditions.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Reef safe
- This goby exhibits a highly peaceful demeanor and thrives in community setups alongside other tranquil fish. The Amblyeleotris biguttata is particularly prized for its ability to form a fascinating mutualistic bond with alpheid pistol shrimp. It is imperative to avoid housing them with large, boisterous, or predatory tank mates that could intimidate or consume them.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- As a dedicated benthic species, the Amblyeleotris biguttata spends the vast majority of its life resting directly on or hovering slightly above the substrate. They establish their territory around a primary burrow entrance and rarely venture into the middle or upper water column. Providing a deep bed of fine or mixed-grade sand is crucial to support their natural behaviors.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,3 ± 0,4 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.00741, b = 3.09
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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