Yellow Watchman Goby (Captive Bred)

Also known as the Golden Watchman Goby or Yellow Watchman Shrimp Goby. 

This captive-bred Yellow Watchman Goby is a peaceful, vibrant reef fish with a bright yellow body and subtle markings. Known for forming symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp, they share burrows and maintain a fascinating partnership. Their calm temperament, ease of care, and compatibility with nano and small reef tanks make them ideal for both beginner and experienced hobbyists.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus cinctus
• Common Names: Yellow Watchman Goby, Golden Watchman Goby, Yellow Watchman Shrimp Goby
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 cm)
• Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, bottom-dwelling
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:

Native to the Indo-Pacific, Yellow Watchman Gobies inhabit sandy bottoms near coral reefs. Captive-bred specimens display the same natural behavior, often forming partnerships with pistol shrimp to share burrows for protection and maintenance.

Tank Environment:

• Provide a sandy substrate for natural burrowing
• Include rockwork and stable structures for burrow support
• Pair with a compatible pistol shrimp to enhance natural behavior (optional)
• Maintain moderate water flow and high water quality
• Use a tight lid, as gobies may jump if startled

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

Yellow Watchman Gobies are carnivorous and feed on tiny crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. Captive-bred gobies adapt quickly to prepared and frozen foods, especially when offered near the substrate.

Recommended Foods:

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

Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times per day in small portions, ensuring food reaches their burrow area to avoid competition with faster mid-water fish.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Yellow Watchman Goby is peaceful, shy, and spends most of its time near its burrow while keeping watch. Its natural partnership with pistol shrimp provides an engaging display in reef tanks.

Tank Mates:

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

Breeding Potential

Captive-bred Yellow Watchman Gobies may pair and spawn inside burrows, though breeding in home aquariums is uncommon due to the delicacy of eggs and larvae. Specialized care and controlled conditions are required for successful reproduction.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Yellow Watchman Goby (Captive Bred) is quarantined for several weeks. They undergo careful health monitoring, are treated for parasites when needed, and are conditioned to accept a variety of prepared foods. This ensures each goby arrives healthy, stable, and ready to thrive in your aquarium.