Do I need to keep a pistol shrimp with it?

It's not required, but pairing it with a pistol shrimp lets you observe its natural symbiotic behavior. Without a shrimp partner, it will still do fine using rockwork crevices as shelter.

Can it be kept with other fish?

Its peaceful temperament makes it easy to combine with many other species. It may show territorial behavior toward its own kind or similarly shaped gobies, so providing multiple hiding spots helps keep the peace.

Is it suitable for a reef tank?

Yes, it rarely bothers corals or invertebrates, making it a good fit for reef aquariums. Just be sure to leave an area of sand bed open so it can dig its burrow.

What should I feed it?

It readily eats prepared pellets and frozen foods such as brine shrimp. It typically adapts to feeding without much trouble, and one or two feedings a day is recommended.

Can it jump out of the tank?

Yes, like many gobies it may leap out of the water when startled. Fitting a secure lid or covering any gaps in the tank top helps prevent this.

Randall's Shrimp Goby

The Randall's Shrimp Goby is a striking marine fish with seven orange bands running across its white body. Males display a tall, fan-like first dorsal fin marked with a prominent eyespot, adding to its charm as it hovers near its burrow. This goby is best known for its symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimp, sharing a burrow and acting as a lookout while the shrimp digs and maintains their shared home. In an aquarium with a fine sand bed, this fascinating behavior can be observed up close. Hardy and easy to keep, it's a great choice even for those new to marine fishkeeping.

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About Randall's Shrimp Goby

Randall's Shrimp Goby is a hardy, beginner-friendly marine fish with an orange-banded white body, known for sharing a burrow with a symbiotic pistol shrimp.

7 things to know before welcoming a Randall's Shrimp Goby

1Life With a Pistol Shrimp
Randall's Shrimp Goby shares a burrow with a pistol shrimp in a classic symbiotic partnership. While the shrimp digs and maintains the burrow, the goby stands guard at the entrance, flicking its body to signal danger. Keeping a bonded pair lets you watch this coordinated relationship in action.
2Needs a Fine Sand Bed
A deep layer of fine, powder-like sand is essential since the pistol shrimp needs to excavate and maintain the burrow. Coarse substrate can cause the burrow to collapse, disrupting the pair's symbiotic behavior.
3Quick to Dart for Cover
This goby darts straight into its burrow at the slightest disturbance. Provide live rock or rockwork for extra hiding spots, while still leaving open sand areas where a burrow can be dug.
4The Male's Eyespot Fin
Males spread their tall first dorsal fin like a fan, revealing a prominent eyespot marking. This fin display is thought to play a role in courtship and is one of the most rewarding behaviors to watch for.
5Tankmate Considerations
Randall's Shrimp Goby is generally peaceful toward other fish, though it may compete territorially with its own species or similarly shaped gobies. When mixing tankmates, provide multiple rock formations so each fish has a place to retreat.
6Prevent Jumping Out
Like many gobies, it can leap out of the tank when startled. A secure lid or cover over any gaps in the aquarium top helps keep it safely inside.
7Water Quality and Feeding
This is a hardy, easy-to-keep species, but sudden shifts in water quality should still be avoided. It readily accepts prepared and frozen foods, so feeding once or twice a day helps keep it in good condition.

Frequently asked questions about Randall's Shrimp Goby

Q.Do I need to keep a pistol shrimp with it?: A.It's not required, but pairing it with a pistol shrimp lets you observe its natural symbiotic behavior. Without a shrimp partner, it will still do fine using rockwork crevices as shelter.
Q.Can it be kept with other fish?: A.Its peaceful temperament makes it easy to combine with many other species. It may show territorial behavior toward its own kind or similarly shaped gobies, so providing multiple hiding spots helps keep the peace.
Q.Is it suitable for a reef tank?: A.Yes, it rarely bothers corals or invertebrates, making it a good fit for reef aquariums. Just be sure to leave an area of sand bed open so it can dig its burrow.
Q.What should I feed it?: A.It readily eats prepared pellets and frozen foods such as brine shrimp. It typically adapts to feeding without much trouble, and one or two feedings a day is recommended.
Q.Can it jump out of the tank?: A.Yes, like many gobies it may leap out of the water when startled. Fitting a secure lid or covering any gaps in the tank top helps prevent this.