ORA Watchman Goby

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Carnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 4"
• Recommended Tank Size: 20 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This Watchman Goby is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation.

The Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) gets its name from their symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. The gobies are the lookouts and the shrimp are the burrow diggers/keepers. While the shrimp is digging it keeps one antenna on the fish’s tail. When a predator approaches, the goby wiggles its tail as a warning and the fish and shrimp duck into their shared burrow.

Each of the Watchman Goby’s eyes move independently which allows them to see predators approaching from behind. Their charming faces sport a perpetual pout. They usually have beautiful golden yellow bodies with small turquoise dots around the head and dorsal area. It is not easy to distinguish a male from a female but there is some speculation that the females are normally grayer in color.

ORA Yellow Watchman juveniles that we offer are not always yellow. They are typically a beautiful shade of steel blue. We’re not quite sure if this is an environmental influence or a sexual phase.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

More space is always beneficial, but a minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a Watchman Goby. A larger tank offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Watchman Gobies are relatively adaptable but thrive best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. In the wild, the Watchman Goby is usually found with its pistol shrimp partner under rockwork.

• Aquascaping: Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to create hiding spots. This not only provides security, but also promotes beneficial biological filtration. Ensure the rockwork is stable, even if the sand shifts due to burrowing.
• Substrate: Use sand as the substrate. Sand is easier for the Watchman Goby and its Pistol Shrimp partner to navigate through.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your fish. While Watchman Gobies are considered hardy, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-78°F. Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit any temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less.
• pH Level: This fish will do well in a wide pH range from about 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: The specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt). Use a refractometer to monitor salinity levels accurately.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be undetectable, while nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to achieve this.
• Water Flow: Moderate water movement is ideal. This is most often achieved by using powerheads in the aquarium to move water around. Adequate water flow helps push uneaten food and fish waste into your filtration and also keeps the water oxygenated.

Diet

Watchman Gobies are Carnivores, meaning they rely on meaty foods for their nutrition. This fish isn't typically a picky eater and will accept food in a variety of forms. 

Primary Diet

• Frozen Food: Mysis Shrimp or other marine-specific frozen foods can provide a quality diet, but with less risk of overfeeding vs pellet or flake foods.
• Pellet Food: Small sinking pellets are a great option, especially for the Watchman Goby that prefers to feed at the bottom of the aquarium, rather than at the water surface. Pellet foods are typically very nutrient dense, so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding the aquarium, which can contribute to poor water quality.

Feeding Frequency

Feed your Watchman Goby at least once a day. For optimal health, try to offer small, frequent meals throughout the day-- 2-3 times is ideal if you can manage it. Your fish will probably always look hungry, so it can be hard to stop yourself from adding more food to the tank.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, the Watchman Goby is peaceful and can coexist harmoniously with a variety of other marine species. It may show aggression towards it's own species unless being kept as part of a mated pair.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Cardinalfish, most Wrasse, Firefish, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, and other peaceful fish.
• Invertebrates: Pistol Shrimp, such as the Tiger Pistol Shrimp, are an ideal tank Mate, however, the Gobies won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep.
• Coral: The Watchman Goby is considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Territoriality: The Watchman Goby may show aggression towards it's own species unless being kept as part of a mated pair. This aggression towards it's own species usually ramps up as the fish matures.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions