Yellow Watchman Goby

Also known as the Yellow Watchman Shrimp Goby or Golden Watchman Goby. 

The Yellow Watchman Goby is a peaceful, vibrant reef fish with a pale yellow body and subtle markings along its dorsal area. These gobies are famous for their symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows and maintaining a fascinating partnership. Their calm temperament, interesting natural behavior, and compatibility with small reef tanks make them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus cinctus
Common Names: Yellow Watchman Goby, Yellow Watchman Shrimp Goby, Golden Watchman Goby
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: 30 gallons
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Yellow Watchman Gobies are native to the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting sandy bottoms near coral reefs. They typically form pairs with pistol shrimp, creating shared burrows for protection and maintenance.

Tank Environment:

• Provide a sandy substrate suitable for burrowing
• Include rockwork and stable structures for burrow support
• Pair with a compatible pistol shrimp to encourage natural behavior
• Moderate water flow and stable, mature tank conditions
• Use a tight lid to prevent jumping

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

Yellow Watchman Gobies are carnivorous and feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In aquariums, they adapt readily to sinking foods placed 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, making sure food reaches the burrow area to avoid competition from faster mid-water fish.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Yellow Watchman Goby is peaceful, shy, and spends most of its time hovering near its burrow while keeping watch. Its partnership with a pistol shrimp creates a natural and fascinating display in aquariums.

Tank Mates:

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

Breeding Potential

These gobies may form pairs and spawn inside burrows in the wild. Breeding in home aquariums is very rare due to the delicate nature of the eggs and larvae, requiring specialized care and feeding.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Yellow Watchman Goby is quarantined for several weeks. They undergo careful health monitoring, are treated for parasites when 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.