Yasha Shrimp Goby

Also known as the Orange-Spotted Shrimp Goby or Amblyeleotris Yasha. 

The Yasha Shrimp Goby is a peaceful, slender reef fish recognized by its pale body adorned with bright orange spots along the dorsal area. These gobies commonly form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows and relying on the shrimp for shelter while keeping watch for potential threats. Their striking appearance, gentle temperament, and compatibility with small reef tanks make them highly sought after by aquarists.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Stonogobiops yasha
• Common Names: Yasha Shrimp Goby, Orange-Spotted Shrimp Goby, Amblyeleotris Yasha
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 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:
Yasha Shrimp Gobies are native to the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting sandy bottoms near coral reefs. They often pair with pistol shrimp to create burrows, where the shrimp maintains the home while the goby acts as a vigilant lookout.

Tank Environment:

• Provide a sandy substrate suitable for burrowing
• Include rockwork and small crevices to support burrow structures
• Pair with a compatible pistol shrimp to encourage natural behavior
• Moderate water flow with stable, mature tank conditions
• Use a tight lid, as gobies may jump when startled

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

Yasha Shrimp Gobies are carnivorous and feed on tiny crustaceans, plankton, and other meaty foods in the wild. In aquariums, they adapt well to prepared sinking foods targeted near the substrate.

Recommended Foods:

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

Feeding Schedule:
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions, ensuring food reaches the burrow area to avoid competition from faster mid-water fish.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Yasha Shrimp Goby is peaceful, shy, and spends most of its time hovering near its burrow. Its symbiotic behavior with pistol shrimp is fascinating and provides a natural, active display in the aquarium.

Tank Mates:

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

Breeding Potential

These gobies may pair and spawn in burrows in their natural habitat. Breeding in home aquariums is extremely rare due to the delicate nature of eggs and larvae, which require specialized care.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Yasha Shrimp Goby is quarantined for several weeks. They undergo thorough health checks, are treated for parasites if necessary, and are conditioned to accept a variety of foods. This ensures each goby arrives healthy, stable, and ready to adapt confidently to your aquarium environment.