Randall's Goby

Randall's Goby is one of the most popular and visually appealing shrimp gobies available in the marine aquarium hobby. Its compact, elongated body is adorned with vivid orange diagonal bands over a white to pale blue base, creating a striking contrast that makes it instantly recognizable. The large, expressive eyes sit high on the head, providing the wide field of vision necessary for its role as a vigilant sentinel perched at the entrance of its shared burrow.

In the wild, Randall's Goby forms a remarkable symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimp of the genus Alpheus, most commonly Alpheus randalli. The nearly blind shrimp excavates and maintains an elaborate burrow in the sandy substrate, while the sharp-eyed goby stands guard at the entrance, flicking its tail to warn the shrimp of approaching predators. This mutualistic relationship is one of the most fascinating examples of interspecies cooperation on the reef, and it can be readily observed in the home aquarium when the goby is housed with a compatible pistol shrimp. Watching the pair interact as the shrimp bulldozes sand and the goby keeps watch is endlessly entertaining.

Despite its specialized natural history, Randall's Goby is a hardy and forgiving species that adapts readily to aquarium life, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It does not require a pistol shrimp partner to thrive in captivity, though providing one greatly enriches both the fish's behavior and the hobbyist's viewing experience. A sandy substrate of at least two to three inches depth is recommended to allow natural burrowing behavior. The goby will typically establish a territory near the base of the rockwork and can be kept singly or as a mated pair.