Common name: Gold-streaked prawn-goby

General information

The Yellow Prawn Goby, Ctenogobiops aurocingulus, is a small and captivating fish species popular among aquarists for its unique behavior and compatibility with reef aquariums. It is known for its striking yellow coloration and the interesting symbiotic relationship it forms with certain shrimp species.

This species is relatively rare in the trade compared to other gobies, which can make it a unique addition to a marine aquarium. It is a peaceful fish that tends to stay at the bottom of the tank, often burrowing in the substrate.

Care

Yellow Prawn Gobies are suitable for small to medium-sized aquariums with a sandy substrate that allows them to exhibit their natural burrowing behavior. They are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of other peaceful fish and invertebrates. These gobies prefer a diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Stable water conditions are crucial for the health of these fish, and they should be acclimated slowly to new environments to prevent stress.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, reproduction of Yellow Prawn Gobies is not commonly observed. In the wild, they are known to spawn within their burrows, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch.

Symbiosis

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Yellow Prawn Goby is its symbiotic relationship with alpheid shrimp, also known as pistol shrimp. The shrimp and goby share a burrow, which the shrimp maintains while the goby stands guard. The goby benefits from the shrimp's digging and maintenance, while the shrimp gains protection from predators, relying on the goby's keen eyesight as an early warning system.

Habitat

Ctenogobiops aurocingulus is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit sandy and rubble substrates in lagoons and coastal reefs, often in association with their shrimp partners.