Tiger Watchman Goby

Also known as the Striped Watchman Goby or Tiger Shrimp Goby. 

The Tiger Watchman Goby is a peaceful, sturdy reef fish recognized by its bold orange and black stripes running along a slender, elongated body. Known for forming symbiotic partnerships with pistol shrimp, these gobies share burrows and act as vigilant lookouts. Their active behavior, striking pattern, and adaptability to reef aquariums make them a favorite among both beginner and experienced hobbyists.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Valenciennea wardii
• Common Names: Tiger Watchman Goby, Striped Watchman Goby, Tiger Shrimp Goby
• Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–12 cm)
• Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
• Temperament: Peaceful, alert, bottom-dwelling
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Tiger Watchman Gobies are native to the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting sandy bottoms near coral reefs. They typically pair with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows for shelter and relying on one another for safety.

Tank Environment:

• Provide a sandy substrate suitable for burrowing
• Include rockwork and crevices for shelter
• Pair with a compatible pistol shrimp to encourage natural behavior
• Use a secure lid, as gobies may jump when startled
• Maintain moderate water flow and stable water quality

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Tiger Watchman Gobies are carnivorous, feeding on tiny crustaceans and plankton in the wild. In aquariums, they adapt well to sinking meaty foods placed near their burrow.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and micro-zooplankton
• Finely chopped seafood
• Small sinking pellets for carnivores

Feeding Schedule:
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions, ensuring food reaches the substrate where the goby resides to avoid competition from faster fish.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Tiger Watchman Goby is peaceful but vigilant, spending most of its time near its burrow. It is alert, watching for potential threats, and engages in fascinating shrimp-goby interactions in reef tanks.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful fish such as clownfish, dartfish, firefish, blennies, and other small gobies
• Avoid aggressive or large predatory species
• Fully reef-safe and compatible with most invertebrates

Breeding Potential

These gobies may form pairs and spawn inside burrows in the wild. While aquarium breeding is rare, pairs may lay eggs that require precise care for the larvae to survive.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Tiger Watchman Goby is carefully quarantined for several weeks. They are monitored for parasites, treated when necessary, and trained to accept a variety of foods. This ensures each goby arrives healthy, stable, and ready to adapt confidently to your reef aquarium.