Y-Bar Watchman Goby

The Y-Bar Watchman Goby is a robust and attractively patterned shrimp goby named for the distinctive Y-shaped bar markings along its body. Growing to 3.5 inches, this is one of the larger Cryptocentrus species available, featuring a cream to gray body adorned with bold brown to dark gray vertical bars that branch into Y-shaped configurations. Its large, expressive eyes sit high on a broad head, providing the excellent field of vision essential for its role as a sentinel partner to alpheid pistol shrimp.

In the wild and in captivity, the Y-Bar Watchman Goby forms a fascinating symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimp, most commonly Alpheus randalli, Alpheus bellulus, or Alpheus djeddensis. The goby stands guard at the burrow entrance, using its superior vision to watch for predators, while the nearly blind shrimp excavates and maintains their shared home. The shrimp maintains constant contact with the goby via its antennae, and a rapid tail flick from the goby signals both partners to retreat into the safety of the burrow.

Captive-bred Y-Bar Watchman Gobies are available and recommended for their superior hardiness and easier adaptation to aquarium life. This species is a rewarding addition to any reef aquarium with a sand substrate, offering both visual appeal and the endlessly entertaining dynamics of the shrimp-goby symbiosis. A fine sand bed of at least 2 inches depth and scattered rubble provide the foundation for successful burrow construction.