Dracula Goby

Also known as “Dracula” shrimp goby (paired with pistol shrimp)

The Dracula Goby is a small, striking reef goby with white body and distinctive red bands, often accompanied by a burrowing pistol shrimp. It is peaceful, reef compatible, and suitable for nano to mid size marine aquariums when given proper hiding spots and stable water conditions. Its symbiotic lifestyle and compact size make it a popular choice for reef enthusiasts wanting a fascinating, low impact species.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Stonogobiops dracula
  Common Names: Dracula Goby, Red barred Pistol Shrimp Goby, Vampire Goby (informal)
• Adult Size: up to ~3 inches (≈ 7–7.5 cm)
• Lifespan: Moderate, with good care and stable conditions typically several years
• Temperament: Peaceful; tends to stay near substrate or burrow; may be territorial toward small or aggressive fish near its burrow
• Reef Compatibility: Reef safe generally does not harm corals or inverts; benefits reef sand/substrate if burrowed under sand/rubble
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons recommended for a single specimen or goby + pistol shrimp pairing
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate modest size and reef safe nature make it accessible, but needs stable water and a partner shrimp for natural behavior

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Indo Pacific reefs, sandy or rubble bottoms near coral outcroppings where burrows form.

Tank Environment:

• Provide fine sand or sandy substrate with rubble or small rocks for burrow creation.
• Live rock or rockwork that allows crevices or overhangs good for hiding when threatened or resting.
• Gentle to moderate water flow; stable water parameters.
• Keeper recommends adding pistol shrimp at the same time for best chance of symbiotic pairing.

Water Parameters (typical reef goby range)

• Temperature: ~24–27 °C (≈ 75–81 °F)
• Salinity: standard marine (~1.023–1.025 sg)
• pH: 8.1–8.4

Diet & Feeding

Dracula Gobies are carnivorous/worm eating in the wild they feed on small crustaceans, tiny invertebrates, and detritus sifted from sand or rubble. In captivity they accept:

• Frozen or live mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, small crustacean prey
• Fine meaty foods suitable for small gobies (e.g. copepods, amphipods, micro shrimp)
• Feeding schedule: small portions 1–2 times daily, ensuring food reaches near the sand/rubble where goby hunts.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful and shy, spends much time near or in burrows, often with pistol shrimp.
• Reef friendly; generally avoids corals and inverts if water and environment are stable.
•  Suitable tank mates: other peaceful reef fish, non predatory species; avoid overly aggressive or large fish that may disturb burrow or stress the goby.

Acclimation & Care Tips

• Introduce into an established marine aquarium.
• Ensure substrate depth and rockwork to allow burrow formation.
• If adding pistol shrimp for symbiosis ideally add goby and shrimp together.
• Monitor water parameters carefully; gobies can be sensitive to rapid changes.

Anemone Hosting / Coral Interaction Behavior

• Not anemone-hosting species prefer burrows in sand/rubble substrate.
• Reef compatible; does not nip corals or inverts generally, making it suitable for mixed reef tanks.

Signs of Healthy Specimen

• Visible activity around burrow or when startled: darting down into sand/rubble.
• Clear eyes, intact fins; alerts to food offered.
• Good appetite and regular feeding response.
• Body coloration: bright white body, red bands, distinct markings.

Color & Development

Body: white or pale base with red/brown vertical or horizontal markings (bars/stripes), sometimes with subtle blue/silver accents.
Adult size is stable around 2.5–3 inches in aquarium conditions.

Special Considerations

• Because of burrowing behavior and sand requirements, substrate must be appropriate (fine sand or small grain rubble).
• Pairing with pistol shrimp improves natural behavior and welfare.
• Quarantine recommended to avoid parasite transfer to reef tanks especially prior to mixing with other species.

Breeding Potential

Breeding of Dracula Goby in home aquariums has been seldom documented and is considered challenging due to the need for stable conditions, burrow, and appropriate substrate.

Why Choose a Quarantined Dracula Goby?

A quarantined Dracula Goby comes healthy, free from parasites, and already adjusted to aquarium conditions. It is more likely to accept prepared foods and adapt quickly to your tank setup. Quarantine reduces risk of introducing diseases and ensures that the goby is strong enough to thrive alongside other fish and inverts in your reef or marine aquarium.