Pink Spotted Watchman Goby

Pink Spotted Watchman Goby

Also known as the Pink Spotted Shrimp Goby or Spotted Watchman Goby. 

The Pink Spotted Watchman Goby is a peaceful bottom-dwelling species known for its tan to cream-colored body decorated with bright pink spots and subtle patterning. These gobies are hardy, gentle, and often perch near the substrate while guarding burrows. Their calm temperament, attractive markings, and compatibility with pistol shrimp make them a great addition to reef aquariums seeking both beauty and natural behavior.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus leptocephalus
• Common Names: Pink Spotted Watchman Goby, Pink Spotted Shrimp Goby, Spotted Watchman Goby
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–12 cm)
• Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
• Temperament: Peaceful, cautious, bottom-dwelling
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Pink Spotted Watchman Gobies are native to Indo-Pacific sandy flats and rubble zones surrounding coral reefs. They commonly inhabit burrows—either dug themselves or shared with pistol shrimp—where they spend much of their time observing their surroundings and retreating when threatened.

Tank Environment:

• Provide a deep sandy substrate for burrowing
• Include rockwork or stable structures near the burrow entrance
• May be paired with a compatible pistol shrimp (optional but enhances natural behavior)
• Use a tight-fitting lid, as gobies may jump when startled
• Maintain moderate water flow and clean, stable conditions

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Pink Spotted Watchman Gobies are carnivorous and naturally sift sand to find small worms, crustaceans, and microfauna. In aquariums, they adapt well to meaty prepared foods.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and micro-zooplankton
• Finely chopped marine meats
• Small sinking pellets for carnivores

Feeding Schedule:
Feed 1–2 times per day in small portions. Ensure food reaches the bottom, as these gobies prefer to eat near their burrow rather than in open water.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Pink Spotted Watchman Goby is peaceful, observant, and spends most of its time perched near its burrow entrance. It may form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp, creating a natural and engaging display in the aquarium.

Tank Mates:

• Great with peaceful fish such as clownfish, firefish, dartfish, blennies, and other gobies
• Avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers or large predatory fish
• Completely reef-safe and compatible with most invertebrates

Breeding Potential

These gobies may pair and spawn within burrows in the wild. While pairing can occur in home aquariums, successful breeding is rare due to the delicate nature of the eggs and larvae and the need for specialized, controlled rearing conditions.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Pink Spotted Watchman Goby undergoes a thorough multi-week quarantine process. They are closely monitored for parasites, treated proactively when needed, and conditioned to accept a wide range of foods. Our careful preparation ensures each goby arrives healthy, stable, and fully ready to settle confidently into your aquarium.