Pinkbar Goby

Also known as the Pink Bar Shrimp Goby or Roseband Goby.

 The Pinkbar Goby is a peaceful and striking reef fish recognized by its white to pale body adorned with a bold pink horizontal stripe running from head to tail. These gobies are known for forming symbiotic partnerships with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows and communicating through subtle body movements. Their gentle nature, attractive coloration, and fascinating behavior make them a popular choice for nano and medium-sized reef tanks.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Amblyeleotris aurora
Common Names: Pinkbar Goby, Pink Bar Shrimp Goby, Roseband Goby
Adult Size: 3.5–4 inches (9–10 cm)
Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
Temperament: Peaceful, shy, bottom-dwelling
Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Pinkbar Gobies are native to the Indo-Pacific, where they live along sandy bottoms near coral rubble. They commonly pair with pistol shrimp, sharing connected burrows and relying on each other for communication and protection.

Tank Environment:

• Provide a sandy substrate for burrowing
• Add rockwork and secure structures around the burrow area
• Optional: Pair with a compatible pistol shrimp to encourage natural behavior
• Use a tight-fitting lid, as gobies may jump when startled
• Maintain moderate water flow and stable, mature conditions

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Pinkbar Gobies are carnivorous and naturally feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton. In aquariums, they adapt well to a variety of meaty foods, especially when fed close to their burrow.

Recommended Foods:

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

Feeding Schedule:
Feed 1–2 times per day in small portions. Ensure food reaches the substrate so they are not outcompeted by faster mid-water swimmers.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Pinkbar Goby is calm, observant, and spends most of its time hovering near or guarding its burrow. When paired with a pistol shrimp, they display engaging natural interactions that add character to the aquarium.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful fish such as clownfish, dartfish, firefish, blennies, and other gobies
• Avoid aggressive species or large predators
• Completely reef-safe and compatible with most invertebrates

Breeding Potential

Pinkbar Gobies may form pairs and spawn in burrows in the wild. While pairing can occur in home aquariums, successful breeding is very rare due to the delicate nature of the eggs and larvae and the controlled conditions required to raise them.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Pinkbar Goby goes through a full multi-week quarantine process. Each fish is carefully monitored for parasites, treated proactively when needed, and conditioned to accept a variety of foods. Our thorough preparation ensures your goby arrives healthy, stable, and ready to settle quickly and confidently into your home reef aquarium.