Common name: Randall's goby
General information
Randall's Goby, scientifically known as Priolepis randalli, is a small and peaceful fish that is well-suited for reef aquariums. This species is named after the ichthyologist John E. Randall, who made significant contributions to the study of reef fishes. The Randall's Goby is known for its striking coloration, typically featuring a pale body with red to orange vertical stripes.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 40 liter (11 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.022 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 6 cm (2½″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Shy, needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys small meaty foods
- Social
- Pair Pairs are harmonious
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful Non-aggressive, good community fish
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusGobyPriolepis
- SpeciesRandall's gobyPriolepis randalli Winterbottom & Burridge, 1992
Care
Randall's Goby is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They prefer aquariums with plenty of live rock and sand substrate, which provide hiding places and allow them to exhibit their natural burrowing behavior. These gobies are not demanding when it comes to diet and will accept a variety of prepared and live foods. However, they do appreciate a meaty diet with regular feedings.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, Randall's Goby may form monogamous pairs and spawn within the safety of their burrows. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. While breeding these gobies in captivity is not common, it is possible with a well-maintained environment and careful attention to their needs.
Symbiosis
One of the most fascinating aspects of Randall's Goby is its symbiotic relationship with certain species of pistol shrimp, such as Alpheus bellulus. The shrimp maintains and defends the burrow while the goby acts as a lookout. This mutualistic relationship provides both species with protection from predators and a shared living space.
Habitat
Randall's Goby is found in the Western Pacific, from the Ryukyu Islands to Australia. They inhabit coral reefs and sandy areas adjacent to reefs, often at depths of 5 to 35 meters. In the wild, they are commonly associated with burrows in sandy substrates, which they share with their shrimp partners.