Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby (Cryptocentrus sp.)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Maximum Size: 4 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide:

The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby, also known as Cryptocentrus sp., is a popular species in saltwater aquariums. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you understand and care for this fascinating fish:

Habitat:

The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in sandy or muddy areas near coral reefs. They are known to form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows for protection.

Reef Safe:

Yes, the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is considered reef-safe. It will not harm corals or other invertebrates in the aquarium.

Size:

The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby can grow up to 4 inches long, making it a relatively small fish suitable for smaller aquariums.

Temperament:

This species is generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish. However, it may become territorial towards other gobies of the same species.

Sexual Dimorphism:

There are no significant visual differences between males and females of the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby species.

Lifespan:

The average lifespan of the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is around 3-5 years, although it can live longer with proper care.

Diet in Aquariums:

The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is a carnivorous species in the aquarium. It primarily feeds on small crustaceans, such as copepods and amphipods. It is recommended to provide a varied diet consisting of frozen or live foods, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or shrimp.

Aquascaping Recommendations:

Since the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby likes to burrow, providing a sandy substrate in the aquarium is important. It will often form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp, so creating suitable burrowing areas with live rock or PVC pipes can be beneficial.

Captive Bred Availability:

The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is occasionally available as captive-bred, although most specimens in the aquarium trade are wild-caught. Captive-bred individuals are generally hardier and better acclimated to aquarium conditions.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals:

The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is generally compatible with many peaceful fish, invertebrates, and corals. However, caution should be exercised when keeping it with aggressive or territorial species, as it can become stressed or targeted. Here are five specific tankmates that are good choices:

1. Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica) – Peaceful and visually striking, they make great companions.
2. Clownfish (Amphiprion sp.) – Known for their symbiotic relationship with anemones, they are compatible tankmates.
3. Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis) – These shrimp will help keep the aquarium clean and can form a beneficial relationship with the shrimpgoby.
4. Blennies (Ecsenius sp.) – Peaceful and entertaining, they can coexist with the shrimpgoby.
5. Gobies (Gobiodon sp.) – These small gobies can create a vibrant and diverse community in the aquarium.

Other Common Names:

The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is also known as the Spotted Shrimpgoby or Yellow Prawn Goby.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How often should I feed my Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby?

A: It is recommended to feed the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby small amounts of food multiple times a day. This mimics their natural feeding behavior and ensures they receive enough nutrition.

Q: Can the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby jump out of the aquarium?

A: While it is not known for excessive jumping behavior, it is always a good idea to have a secure lid or mesh cover on the aquarium to prevent any accidental escapes.

Q: Can the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby be kept in a reef tank with corals?

A: The Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby is considered reef-safe and can be kept in a tank with corals. However, caution should be exercised with delicate or expensive corals, as the shrimpgoby may accidentally knock them over while burrowing.

Q: How can I encourage the Spotted Watchman Shrimpgoby to form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp?

A: Providing suitable burrowing areas with live rock or PVC pipes can help attract pistol shrimp to the aquarium. Additionally, introducing a pistol shrimp at the same time as the shrimpgoby increases the chances of them forming a symbiotic bond.

Q: Can I keep multiple Spotted Watchman Shrimpgobies in the same aquarium?

A: It is generally not recommended to keep multiple Spotted Watchman Shrimpgobies of the same species in the same aquarium, as they may become territorial and aggressive towards each other. However, keeping them with other species of gobies is usually not an issue.