Reeflings

Common name: Diagonal shrimp-goby

Scientific name: Amblyeleotris diagonalis Polunin & Lubbock, 1979

General information

The Diagonal Shrimp Goby, scientifically known as Amblyeleotris diagonalis, is a captivating species admired for its striking diagonal stripes and peaceful demeanor. This small goby is a favorite among aquarists for its interesting behavior and compatibility with other peaceful tank mates.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
12 cm (5″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Prefers sandy substrate
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
Social
Pair Pairs well, can be territorial
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive Territorial towards own kind
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perciformes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Goby
    Gobiidae
  6. Genus
    Shrimp Goby
    Amblyeleotris
  7. Species
    Diagonal shrimp-goby
    Amblyeleotris diagonalis Polunin & Lubbock, 1979

Care

Diagonal Shrimp Gobies are relatively easy to care for, but they do require a tank with a sandy substrate to exhibit their natural burrowing behavior. They are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of other non-predatory fish and invertebrates. A diet of small, meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is recommended.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, reproduction of Diagonal Shrimp Gobies is rare. However, they are known to form monogamous pairs and may spawn in a well-established tank. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.

Symbiosis

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Diagonal Shrimp Goby is its symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimps of the genus Alpheus. The shrimp maintains the burrow while the goby stands guard, warning the shrimp of approaching danger with subtle body movements.

Habitat

Amblyeleotris diagonalis is found in the Western Pacific, from Indonesia to the Solomon Islands, and typically inhabits sandy areas near coral reefs. They are often observed in depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters where they live in burrows shared with pistol shrimps.