Common name: Yellow Prawn-Goby
General information
The Yellow Prawn-Goby, Svenzea zeai, is a small and colorful fish that is a popular choice for reef aquariums. It is known for its symbiotic relationship with certain species of shrimp, which makes it an interesting addition to a community tank. The fish has a yellow body with white spots and a distinctive blue stripe running from the eye to the base of the caudal fin.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 5 cm (2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Requires stable conditions.
- Diet
- Omnivore Feeds on detritus and plankton.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumSpongesPorifera
- ClassDemospongesDemospongiae
- OrderSerpulid WormsScopalinida
- FamilyScooter BlenniesScopalinidae
- GenusSvenzeaSvenzea
- SpeciesYellow Prawn-GobySvenzea zeai (Alvarez, van Soest & Rützler, 1998)
- SynonymsPseudaxinella zeai Alvarez, van Soest & Rützler, 1998
Care
Svenzea zeai requires a tank with a sandy substrate to allow for burrowing, which is a natural behavior for this species. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive tank mates. A diet of small, meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is recommended.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, Svenzea zeai may form monogamous pairs and spawn within the burrows they share with their shrimp partners. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.
Symbiosis
This species exhibits a fascinating symbiotic relationship with alpheid shrimp, also known as pistol shrimp. The shrimp maintains and defends the burrow while the goby acts as a lookout. When a threat is detected, the goby flicks its tail to warn the shrimp. In return, the goby receives a safe haven and a place to spawn.
Habitat
Svenzea zeai is found in the tropical Western Atlantic, from the Bahamas and Florida to the northern coast of South America. They inhabit sandy areas near reefs, often at depths of 10 to 30 meters.