Gobies · Gobiidae
Care levelBeginner
Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby
Amblyeleotris wheeleri
A sand-dwelling shrimp goby with broad orange-red bands and tiny blue spots. It needs sheltered bottom space and peaceful feeding access; suitable individuals may associate with a compatible pistol shrimp.
Burrow shelter, stable rock support and food delivery to a shy bottom feeder require planning.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
10+ galRecommended tank
3 inchesAdult size
Peaceful; territorial with similar gobiesTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Distinctive coloration and behavior.
- May share a burrow with a compatible pistol shrimp.
- Generally peaceful toward appropriately chosen dissimilar fish.
! Things to consider
- Small or shy fish can lose access to food or become prey.
- Similar gobies can dispute shelter or territory.
- Needs secure cover and a suitable adult habitat.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 10 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 3 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Provide a sand-covered bottom with separate burrow territories, stable overhead shelter and retreat routes. Burrow space matters more than extra height.
- Tank maturity
- Use a fully cycled aquarium with stable filtration and a dependable feeding plan. Tank age alone does not demonstrate readiness. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential.
- Habitat and equipment
- Use suitable fine sand and limited rubble for shelter. Support heavy rock on a stable base rather than loose excavatable sand, protect intakes and fit a secure lid.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Peaceful; territorial with similar gobies
- Why this care level
- Burrow shelter, stable rock support and food delivery to a shy bottom feeder require planning.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Choose peaceful fish that cannot swallow this goby. Avoid persistent harassers, predatory basses and aggressive bottom dwellers; ensure every fish can reach food.
- Alone, pair or group
- Keep singly or as a verified compatible pair. A suitable pistol shrimp may share a burrow, but not all shrimp species or individual combinations are appropriate. A shrimp partner is not a substitute for fish feeding.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally leaves coral tissue alone; continue observing the individual and its resting behavior. - Shrimp safety
-
With caution
May associate with a compatible pistol shrimp. Identify both animals before pairing; ornamental shrimp compatibility and shrimp-to-fish predation still need assessment. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with established snails; tiny larvae and small food organisms may be eaten. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally leaves clam tissue alone; monitor the individual and keep normal feeding needs met.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Carnivore; suitable small marine meaty foods
- Feeding plan
- Offer suitable marine meaty food at least twice daily near the burrow. Confirm the goby takes food rather than losing it to faster fish.
- Prepared or live food
- Fine mysis, enriched brine shrimp and suitable marine preparations; use small pellets if the individual demonstrably accepts them.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72–78 °F (22–26 °C) is the marine aquarium reference range used here. Maintain stable conditions and consider all inhabitants.
- Specific gravity
- Specific gravity 1.020–1.025 is a common fish-care reference range. Corals and other invertebrates may require a narrower target.
- pH
- pH 8.1–8.4. Maintain stability and monitor alkalinity instead of making abrupt corrections.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- The references used here do not establish a dependable typical captive lifespan. Plan for long-term care without assuming an invented average.
- Growth and future planning
- Published aquarium guidance lists up to about 3 inches. Plan for adult shelter and feeding needs rather than the juvenile’s purchase size.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Provide a sand-covered bottom, stable rock support and multiple retreats. Two similar-looking shrimp gobies are not automatically a compatible pair.
- Buying checklist
- Check the scientific name, observe feeding and inspect the eyes, fins, breathing and body condition. Arrange quarantine and confirm the seller’s feeding and acclimation routine.
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