The Blue Spot Shrimpgoby is territorial, unless it is given a large well established tank with cleverly decorated space. It is not compatible with triggers and should however never be kept with aggressive species. The Blue Spot Shrimpgoby often forms symbiotic relationship with shrimps, who digs a cave while the goby keeps an eye out for predators and warns the shrimp if one approaches. The Blue Spot Shrimpgoby communicates mainly using its antennae, and lives together in the cave happily. To establish this relationship in the tank, you simply need to introduce both of them in a well decorated tank with lots of rock work. Adding several shrimps to the aquarium increases the chance of your pairing up with one of them. The Blue Spot Shrimpgoby is a hardy animal, which is also disease resistant and can be recommended for beginner marine aquarists. It is also very easy to feed and care for, which makes it a valuable addition to your reef tank. If a single goby has to be kept then introduce it in a 20 gallon tank, but if you wish to keep a pair then a minimum 60 gallon is required. The aquarium should be decorated with a lot of open areas as well as a lot of suitable caves and hiding places. The Blue Spot Shrimpgoby is a very good jumper and therefore keeping it in a covered aquarium is advised. It does well in reef aquarium but may not be considered 100% reef safe, since it tends to eat small shrimp unless properly fed. It might bully wrasses and small passive fishes. The Blue Spot Shrimpgoby thrives well in a temperature range of 74-82 degree Fahrenheit, and pH of 8.1-8.4. It is a carnivore and should be fed with a varied diet containing high protein food types including frozen food and different types of chopped sea food. It is very hard to breed Blue Spot Shrimpgoby in captivity, if it breeds then it protects the eggs.
The Banded Watchman, a.k.a. Blue-tailed Shrimpgoby, has the distinct large Watchman head with bright blue spots. The body is long and slender and has numerous bands. They make tremendous additions to established reef tanks. These fish are also jumpers, so precautions should be taken to secure openings at the top of the aquarium. Only one should be kept per tank.Gobies compose one of the largest family of fish in the ocean. These small fish live around reefs or on sandy flats. Many of the Gobies are known for their burrowing behavior. These fish use burrows in the sand for safety. Some of the Goby species are known to share their burrows with Pistol Shrimp; behavior that can be duplicated in the home aquarium. Most Gobies have cupped ventral fins that nearly join just below their gill plates that serve as perching mechanisms so the Goby can always be on the lookout in a resting position. The Goby is a tremendous addition to the home aquarium.Photo by Saltwaterfish.com member, Kris Martin.
