Common name: Orange-striped shrimpgoby

General information

The Yasha Shrimp Goby, scientifically known as Stonogobiops yasha, is a small and attractive fish that has gained popularity in the reef aquarium hobby due to its striking appearance and interesting behavior. This species is characterized by its white body with red to orange stripes and a distinctive high dorsal fin. It is often sought after for its symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimps.

Care

Yasha Shrimp Gobies are relatively easy to care for but do require a stable and mature aquarium with plenty of live rock and a sandy substrate to thrive. They are peaceful fish that can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. It's important to provide them with a diet of varied meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Yasha Shrimp Gobies may form monogamous pairs and spawn within the burrows they share with their shrimp partners. The eggs are typically laid on the ceiling of the burrow and guarded by the male until they hatch.

Symbiosis

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Yasha Shrimp Goby is its symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimps of the genus Alpheus. The shrimp maintains and digs a burrow that both the shrimp and goby inhabit. The goby acts as a lookout for predators while the nearly blind shrimp provides a safe haven for both. This mutualistic relationship is a remarkable example of interspecies cooperation.

Habitat

Stonogobiops yasha is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Ryukyu Islands, Indonesia, and the Great Barrier Reef. They typically inhabit depths from 5 to 40 meters, where they are associated with sandy bottoms and reef slopes.