Do I have to keep Randall's Shrimp Goby with a pistol shrimp?

No, they will survive perfectly well on their own in captivity. However, providing an Alpheus species pistol shrimp allows you to witness their incredible natural symbiotic behaviour, which is one of the main draws of keeping them.

What is the best pistol shrimp to pair with them?

The Tiger Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus) and Randall's Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus randalli) are two of the most popular and readily compatible partners in the aquarium trade.

Will they eat my ornamental cleaner shrimp?

No, Randall's Shrimp Goby is peaceful and its mouth is too small to pose a threat to adult ornamental shrimp like Skunk Cleaner or Blood Red Fire Shrimp.

Why is my goby always hiding?

It is completely normal for them to be reclusive, especially when newly introduced. Without a deep sand bed to feel secure or a shrimp partner to manage a proper burrow, they may feel exposed and remain hidden in the rockwork.

How deep should my sand bed be?

Aim for a minimum depth of 5 to 7 centimetres (2-3 inches) in at least one area of the tank, mixed with various sizes of crushed coral or rubble to help reinforce their burrows against collapse.

MarineMarineBeginner

Randall's Shrimp Goby

Amblyeleotris randalli

Randall's Shrimp Goby is a striking, peaceful marine fish renowned for its fascinating mutualistic relationship with pistol shrimps.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.025 SG
Adult size: 9 – 12 cm
100L: 100 litres+
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Deep sand bed with varied rubble for burrow construction.

About the Randall's Shrimp Goby

With its brilliant orange striping and prominent, sail-like dorsal fin bearing a stark eyespot, Randall's Shrimp Goby is a highly sought-after addition to the marine aquarium. Often referred to as the Orange-stripe Shrimpgoby, this species is most famous for its natural pairing with snapping alpheid shrimps. In the wild, they occupy burrows dug entirely by the nearly blind shrimp, with the goby acting as a vigilant lookout, flicking its tail to warn its partner of approaching danger. They are exceptionally well-suited to reef tanks of varying sizes.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Randall's Shrimp Goby comes from

Native range

Western Pacific, Indo-Pacific

Countries / regions

Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Japan

Habitat

Clear coastal and seaward reefs, typically found on sandy patches at the base of coral rubble.

Commonly encountered in depths ranging from 15 to 40 metres.

Similar species

Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby
Stonogobiops yasha
Wheeler's Shrimp Goby
Amblyeleotris wheeleri
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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Pistol Shrimp
Alpheus spp.
Forms a fascinating and completely natural symbiotic relationship, sharing a burrow where the shrimp digs and the goby stands watch.
Great
Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful, reef-safe fish that occupy different swimming zones, leaving the bottom-dwelling goby undisturbed.
Great
Lawnmower Blenny
Salarias fasciatus
Both are bottom-dwelling species that may occasionally squabble over territory if the tank footprint is too small.
Compatible with caution
Niger Triggerfish
Odonus niger
Large, aggressive predators that will view small gobies and their symbiotic shrimp as a natural food source.
Not recommended

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