Randall's Watchman Goby

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingRoutine tank care

  Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceGreat first pet

  Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• Commitment4–8 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

Randall's Watchman Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli) is an Indo-Pacific shrimp goby reaching about 8 to 9 cm. Its cream body is crossed by five to six orange bars, but its signature is the tall rounded first dorsal fin marked with a prominent black ocellus, raised in display or when the fish is uneasy. It forms the same symbiotic burrow partnership as other watchman gobies. A 75 litre or larger tank with a deep fine sand bed and rubble suits it, at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4, with a securely covered top. Feed mysis, enriched brine and small sinking pellets one or two times a day. It is fully reef safe, peaceful and shy, and settles best when introduced to an established tank with a pistol shrimp already present or added at the same time. Avoid boisterous tankmates that keep it hiding, and give the sand bed enough depth that the pair can build a real tunnel rather than a scrape.

• How active is a Randall's Watchman Goby?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Randall's Watchman Goby need?

  Routine tank care. Weekly partial water changes keep them in top shape.

• What tank size does a Randall's Watchman Goby need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Randall's Watchman Goby a good fit for first-time owners?

  Great first pet. Forgiving and easy to get started with.

• How long do Randall's Watchman Goby live?

  4–8 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Randall's Watchman Goby?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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