Do I absolutely need a pistol shrimp to keep this goby?

No, the Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby can survive without a pistol shrimp and will simply use natural crevices or dig a crude hollow under a rock. However, providing an Alpheus shrimp allows you to witness their fascinating natural symbiotic behaviour, which is highly recommended.

Why is my new goby hiding all the time?

It is completely normal for these gobies to hide for the first several days, or even weeks, after introduction. They are naturally shy prey animals. Ensure tankmates aren't harassing them, and consider target feeding near their hiding spot to encourage them out.

Can I keep more than one in my aquarium?

Unless they are a confirmed male-female mated pair, it is generally best to keep them singularly, especially in nano tanks. Two males will often fight aggressively over burrowing territory.

Why is my goby trying to jump out of the tank?

Gobies have an intense fright response that causes them to dart upwards to escape perceived bottom-dwelling predators. A tight-fitting lid or mesh cover is absolutely essential for keeping this species safely in the aquarium.

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Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby

Stonogobiops nematodes

A striking, peaceful nano goby famous for its fascinating symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.023 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 4 – 6 cm
Nano reef: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Deep sand bed (minimum 5 cm) with mixed rubble for burrowing.

About the Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby

The Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes) is an iconic marine species beloved by nano reef enthusiasts. It features a brilliant yellow head, striking dark diagonal banding, and a dramatically elongated first dorsal fin. In the wild, they are almost exclusively found living in the burrows of Alpheus pistol shrimp. This fascinating mutualism allows both species to thrive, with the goby acting as the shrimp's lookout. They are peaceful, hardy, and remain small, making them exceptional candidates for carefully planned nano aquariums.

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Where Hi-Fin Red Banded Goby comes from

Native range

Indo-West Pacific, Ryukyu Islands

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Philippines, Seychelles, Japan

Habitat

Sandy coastal slopes and rubble zones near coral reefs, typically at depths of 15 to 30 metres.

Almost exclusively found living inside burrows alongside Alpheus shrimp.

Similar species

Yasha Goby
Stonogobiops yasha
Yellow Watchman Goby
Cryptocentrus cinctus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Randall's Pistol Shrimp
Alpheus randalli
They naturally pair together in the wild; the shrimp builds the burrow while the goby keeps watch for danger.
Great
Firefish
Nemateleotris magnifica
Peaceful, small, and occupies the middle-to-upper water column, entirely avoiding the goby's bottom territory.
Great
Longnose Hawkfish
Oxycirrhites typus
Hawkfish are opportunistic predators of small bottom-dwelling fish and crustaceans; they may harass or consume the goby and its shrimp.
Compatible with caution
Volitan Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Large predators will view this small, slender goby exclusively as live food.
Not recommended

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