Common name: Randall's Prawn Goby

General information

Randall's Prawn Goby, scientifically known as Pervagor randalli, is a small and colorful fish that is popular among aquarists for its unique appearance and interesting behavior. This species is named after the ichthyologist John E. Randall, who has described many fish species. The body of Randall's Prawn Goby is elongated with a pale base color, adorned with red to orange lines that run longitudinally along its body, and it has a distinctive eyespot on the dorsal fin.

Care

Randall's Prawn Goby is a relatively hardy species that can be kept in smaller aquariums due to its modest size. They prefer a sandy substrate where they can burrow and create tunnels. It's important to provide a tank with a tight-fitting lid as they are known to jump when startled. These gobies are peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. They thrive on a varied diet of meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the wild, Randall's Prawn Goby forms monogamous pairs and exhibits biparental care. They lay their eggs in burrows and both parents guard the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to their specific mating rituals and the need for stable tank conditions.

Symbiosis

One of the most fascinating aspects of Randall's Prawn Goby is its symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimps of the genus Alpheus. The shrimp maintains and digs the burrow while the goby stands guard at the entrance. The shrimp has poor eyesight and relies on the goby for warning signals of approaching danger. In return, the goby gets a safe haven and a place to lay its eggs.

Habitat

Randall's Prawn Goby is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit sandy and rubble substrates in lagoons and coastal reefs, often in association with their shrimp partners. They are typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.