BeginnerPeacefulReef Safe

Yellow Watchman Goby

Cryptocentrus cinctus

Family: Gobiidae · Gobies

Also known as: Yellow Prawn Goby, Yellow Shrimp Goby, Banded Prawn Goby

Max Size

Min Tank

20 gal

Lifespan

3-5 years

Origin

Western Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Yellow Watchman Goby is a charming, bottom-dwelling species renowned for its fascinating symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. In the wild and often in captivity, this goby pairs up with an Alpheus species pistol shrimp in a remarkable mutualistic partnership: the nearly blind shrimp excavates and maintains a shared burrow, while the sharp-eyed goby stands guard at the entrance, alerting the shrimp to approaching predators through subtle body movements. This behavior makes the pair endlessly entertaining to observe and is one of the most compelling symbiotic relationships available for display in a home aquarium.

The Yellow Watchman Goby has a stout, yellowish body covered in small blue-white spots, with a characteristically large head and upward-facing eyes that give it an endearing, frog-like appearance. Adults typically reach 3 to 4 inches in length. They spend most of their time perched on rocks or substrate near their burrow entrance, darting inside at the first sign of perceived danger. Despite their cautious nature, they quickly learn to recognize their owner and will eventually emerge confidently during feeding time.

This species is an ideal choice for beginner aquarists due to its hardiness, peaceful temperament, and minimal space requirements. A 20-gallon aquarium with a sand substrate of at least 2 inches depth is sufficient for a single specimen or a pair. They readily accept a variety of prepared and frozen foods and pose no threat to corals or other invertebrates. For the full symbiotic experience, pair them with a Randall's Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus randalli) or a Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus) for a truly captivating display.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

Yellow Watchman Gobies are carnivores that feed on small crustaceans, worms, and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, they accept a variety of frozen foods including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped table shrimp. They will also accept high-quality sinking pellets. Feed twice daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom where the goby forages. They may also catch copepods and amphipods from the live rock.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulbottom-dwellershrimp-symbiosisbeginner-friendly

Yellow Watchman Gobies are peaceful toward most tankmates and make excellent community fish. They may show territorial behavior toward other bottom-dwelling gobies, so it is best to keep only one species of shrimp goby per tank unless the system is large with separated territories. They coexist well with clownfish, tangs, wrasses, blennies, and most other reef fish. Their small size makes them vulnerable to large predatory fish.

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Breeding

Moderate

Yellow Watchman Gobies can be bred in captivity with moderate effort. Pairs will spawn inside their burrow, with the male guarding the eggs. The larvae are pelagic and require rotifers as a first food. Some hobbyists have successfully reared small numbers of fry. Sexing can be difficult, but males tend to have a slightly larger head and longer dorsal fin extensions.