Hi Fin Red Banded Goby

Also known as the Striped Goby, Blackray Shrimp Goby, or Filament-Finned Prawn Goby. 

The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby is a small, attractive reef goby with a slender, elongated body, white base coloration, distinct red/brown bands, and a tall dorsal fin. This species often forms a symbiotic partnership with a pistol shrimp, creating an intriguing and functional duo for sandbed reefs. Their peaceful nature, moderate care requirements, and unique behaviors make them a popular choice for reef and nano tanks.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Stonogobiops nematodes
• Common Names: Hi Fin Red Banded Goby, Striped Goby, Blackray Shrimp Goby, Filament-Finned Prawn Goby
• Adult Size: ~2–3 inches (≈ 5–7.5 cm)
• Lifespan: Several years under stable, proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful, generally non-aggressive, shy, bottom-dwelling shrimp-goby behavior
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe, suitable for reef aquariums and shrimp symbiosis setups
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons (larger preferred especially if paired with pistol shrimp)
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Hi Fin Red Banded Gobies are native to the Western Pacific, commonly found in sandy or rubble reef slopes near rock or coral rubble. They inhabit sandy bottoms where they and a pistol shrimp (if present) dig and maintain burrows.

Tank Environment:

•  Provide a sand bed (fine sand preferred) so the goby (and shrimp) can create or maintain burrow(s)
•  Include live rock or rubble to offer hiding places and structure
• Moderate to gentle water flow is ideal
• A tightly fitting lid is strongly recommended — gobies are known jumpers and may escape if startled

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (≈ 22–26°C)
• Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025
• pH: 8.1–8.4

Diet & Feeding

Hi Fin Red Banded Gobies are carnivores that in the wild eat small crustaceans and benthic invertebrates they find while sifting sand or near their burrow entrance.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp (vitamin-enriched if possible)
• Small crustaceans or marine meats
•  Frozen carnivore foods / small meaty marine prey

Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions. For best results, offer foods near the sand or rubble so the goby can hunt or scavenge naturally.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Shy, peaceful, and bottom-dwelling. The Hi Fin Red Banded Goby spends most of its time near or inside its burrow, darting out to feed and retreating when threatened.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful reef fish and invertebrates
• Avoid aggressive or large predatory fish which may bully or outcompete them
• Reef-safe with corals and other invertebrates

Symbiosis: Often forms a symbiotic pair with a pistol shrimp (Alpheus sp.). The shrimp digs and maintains the burrow, while the goby stands guard and signals shrimp when danger is near. This partnership is one of the major appeals of this species.

Breeding Potential

Hi Fin Red Banded Goby may spawn in captivity when kept in stable, suitable conditions with deep sand substrate and proper burrow space. Reports indicate successful aquarium spawning. However, raising the larvae is challenging and requires specialized care and feeding.

Why Choose a Quarantined Hi Fin Red Banded Goby

A quarantined Hi Fin Red Banded Goby is more likely to adapt quickly to your aquarium environment. Through quarantine the fish is observed for parasites, treated if necessary, and conditioned to accept prepared foods. This reduces stress, increases survival chances, and ensures healthier, stabilized behavior when introduced to your main reef or FOWLR tank.