Black Ray Shrimp Goby

The Black Ray Shrimp Goby is one of the smallest and most endearing shrimp gobies available in the marine aquarium hobby. Reaching only about 2 inches in length, this diminutive species is easily identified by the prominent black ray extending from its dorsal fin, which gives the species its common name. Its body is white to pale lavender with thin dark horizontal stripes along the flanks, and the face often shows subtle yellow or orange highlights.

As a member of the genus Stonogobiops, this goby maintains a close symbiotic relationship with Alpheid pistol shrimp. The tiny goby perches alertly at the burrow entrance while its shrimp partner excavates and maintains their shared home. The elongated dorsal ray is thought to serve as a signal flag to the shrimp, enhancing communication between the symbiotic partners. This behavior is thoroughly captivating and provides a window into one of the ocean's most remarkable partnerships.

Due to its tiny size, the Black Ray Shrimp Goby is well suited for nano reef aquariums as small as 10 gallons. It requires a fine sand substrate for burrowing and a calm environment free from aggressive or overly active fish. This species is shy and may take time to acclimate, but once settled, it becomes a bold and entertaining inhabitant of the lower aquarium zones.