Gobies · Gobiidae
Care levelBeginner
Yellow Watchman Goby
Cryptocentrus cinctus
A bottom-dwelling goby that keeps watch from a sandy burrow. It may share its home with a compatible pistol shrimp, making the partnership fascinating to observe.
Usually hardy, but needs direct feeding and a safe burrow.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
30+ galRecommended tank
4 inchesAdult size
Peaceful; territorial around burrowTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Usually peaceful with suitable community fish.
- Can form a shrimp-and-goby partnership.
- Does not normally nip corals.
! Things to consider
- Needs sand, shelter and securely supported rockwork.
- Can jump through small gaps; use a fitted lid.
- May dispute burrows with other bottom dwellers.
- Needs direct feeding; it cannot live on sand alone.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 30 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 4 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Provide usable bottom area and room around its burrow.
- Tank maturity
-
1 month recommended
Fully cycled aquarium; natural sand fauna do not replace feeding. 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
- Sand, rubble, rockwork supported securely before burrowing, and a tight-fitting lid.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Peaceful; territorial around burrow
- Why this care level
- Usually hardy, but needs direct feeding and a safe burrow.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Peaceful community fish; watch competing gobies and other burrow users.
- Alone, pair or group
- One or an established compatible pair; unfamiliar gobies may dispute territory.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally coral safe. - Shrimp safety
-
Generally compatible
Can partner with a compatible pistol shrimp; research the pairing. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Carnivore; small meaty foods and suitable pellets
- Feeding plan
- Deliver small meaty foods near the burrow and check it eats; sand is not a complete diet.
- Prepared or live food
- Mysis, suitable frozen foods and accepted pellets.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72-78 F (22-26 C); keep temperature stable.
- Specific gravity
- 1.020-1.025 specific gravity in the species care guidance; also meet your corals' needs.
- pH
- 8.1-8.4, with stable daily conditions.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A reliable typical captive lifespan is not established in the linked references. Plan for several years of care.
- Growth and future planning
- Plan bottom territory for an adult around 4 inches.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Provide sand and secure rockwork. A pistol shrimp partnership is optional, not essential.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see it eat; check its condition and plan quarantine.
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