Yellow Watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus cinctus

The Yellow Watchman Goby is a popular and striking species that adds a unique dynamic to saltwater aquariums. With its vivid yellow coloration and distinctive “watchman” behavior, this fish is both an attractive and functional addition to reef tanks, often serving as a natural cleaner and burrower.

Description:

• Common Name: Yellow Watchman Goby, Yellow Shrimp Goby

• Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus cinctus

• Family: Gobiidae

• Size: Up to 3 inches (7.6 cm)

• Coloration: The Yellow Watchman Goby is known for its bright yellow body, with subtle white or pale markings along the face and fins. Its large, expressive eyes and bold coloration make it a standout fish in the aquarium. The goby has a stout, slightly compressed body that gives it a stocky appearance.

Native Region:

The Yellow Watchman Goby is native to the Indo-Pacific region, including Hawaii, Indonesia, and the Philippines, where it is commonly found in coral reefs and sandy bottoms, often in association with burrows and caves.

Aquarium Setup:

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons (113 liters), but larger tanks provide more space for the goby to dig and establish its burrow.

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel is essential for the goby to burrow and create its home. It often shares its burrow with a shrimp (e.g., the pistol shrimp), forming a symbiotic relationship.

• Live Rock: Live rock helps create hiding places and mimics the natural habitat of the Yellow Watchman Goby. It also offers a surface for algae growth, which the goby may graze on.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)

• pH: 8.1-8.4

• Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity

• Hardness: 8-12 dKH

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The Yellow Watchman Goby is relatively hardy and easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.

• Diet: The Yellow Watchman Goby is a carnivore that feeds on small invertebrates, zooplankton, and detritus in the wild. In the aquarium, it will eat a variety of meaty foods, such as frozen or live brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped seafood. It may also nibble on algae and detritus in the tank.

• Behavior: The Yellow Watchman Goby is peaceful and tends to stay near its burrow. It is often seen guarding its home and peering out from the entrance, giving it its “watchman” nickname. While not particularly active, it will venture out for food and interact with its tankmates.

Reef Compatibility:

• Reef-Safe: Yes, the Yellow Watchman Goby is generally considered reef-safe. It does not pose a threat to corals or invertebrates and is a great addition to a reef aquarium. However, it may occasionally disrupt smaller invertebrates or shrimp, especially if they are not sharing a burrow.

Tank Mates:

• Suitable Companions: The Yellow Watchman Goby is best kept with peaceful, non-aggressive fish, such as clownfish, wrasses, and other small gobies. It pairs well with symbiotic partners like pistol shrimp, which it shares a burrow with.

• Avoid: Avoid keeping it with aggressive or predatory species, as the Yellow Watchman Goby is a peaceful fish and may become stressed or preyed upon by larger fish.

Additional Tips:

• Symbiotic Shrimp: The Yellow Watchman Goby forms a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp, where they share a burrow. The goby acts as a lookout, warning the shrimp of potential danger, while the shrimp digs and maintains the burrow.

• Hiding Places: Providing plenty of live rock and hiding spots is crucial for the goby to feel secure in its environment. The goby will often retreat to its burrow if threatened or when it feels the need to rest.

• Tank Setup: Since the Yellow Watchman Goby is a burrower, be sure to provide a sandy substrate and plenty of caves or crevices for it to create its burrow.