The Orange Banded Prawn Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli), also known as Randall's Prawn Goby or Steinitz' Prawn Goby, comes from the rubble zones of the reefs of the Indian Ocean. The Orange Banded Prawn Goby is a popular saltwater fish due to its peaceful nature and symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. Here are key aspects of its care:
1. Tank Size:
- A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks provide more stability and space for burrowing.
2. Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C)
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pH: 8.1 to 8.4
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Salinity: 1.023 to 1.025 specific gravity
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Ammonia/Nitrites: 0 ppm
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Nitrates: < 20 ppm
3. Diet:
- This goby is carnivorous and thrives on a diet of meaty foods, such as:
- Mysis shrimp
- Brine shrimp
- Small pieces of seafood
- Supplement its diet with high-quality frozen or freeze-dried foods, and feed it once or twice a day.
4. Behavior and Compatibility:
- Known for its symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp (like Alpheus species). They share a burrow, with the shrimp digging and maintaining it while the goby acts as a lookout.
- Generally peaceful and compatible with other peaceful fish, but it may show territorial behavior towards other gobies.
- Best kept with non-aggressive tankmates.
5. Tank Setup:
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Substrate: Fine sand is ideal to allow them to burrow.
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Rocks: Include live rock with crevices for hiding and burrowing.
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Caves and Shelters: The fish prefers to dig and hide, so providing ample places for shelter will make it more comfortable.
6. Special Care Notes:
- This goby can jump, so a tight-fitting lid is recommended.
- It's a relatively shy fish, especially if there is no pistol shrimp present. Pairing it with a pistol shrimp is beneficial for both species and can lead to fascinating behaviors.
Do you have a pistol shrimp or are you thinking of adding one to your tank?
