Common name: Slender shrimp-goby
General information
Mertens' Shrimp Goby, scientifically known as Vanderhorstia mertensi, is a small, captivating fish that adds both beauty and intrigue to a saltwater aquarium. These gobies are known for their distinctive coloration, typically featuring a pale body with a series of darker, often blue-edged, vertical stripes and spots. They are relatively rare in the aquarium trade but are highly sought after by enthusiasts for their unique behavior and compatibility with reef systems.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy
- Symbiosis
- Yes May pair with pistol shrimp
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Pair
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusShrimp GobiesVanderhorstia
- SpeciesSlender shrimp-gobyVanderhorstia mertensi Klausewitz, 1974
Care
Mertens' Shrimp Goby requires a well-established aquarium with a sandy substrate to allow for burrowing, which is a natural behavior for these fish. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of tank mates, but they should not be housed with aggressive species that may outcompete them for food or territory. A varied diet of meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their health and coloration.
Reproduction
In the home aquarium, breeding Mertens' Shrimp Goby can be a challenging endeavor. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and little is known about their specific breeding habits. However, like many gobies, they are likely to spawn in the safety of their burrows, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch.
Symbiosis
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mertens' Shrimp Goby is their symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp of the genus Alpheus. In this mutualistic arrangement, the shrimp maintains and digs a shared burrow while the goby stands guard, warning the shrimp of approaching predators. This partnership allows both species to thrive, with the shrimp gaining protection and the goby benefiting from a well-maintained burrow.
Habitat
Vanderhorstia mertensi is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the western Pacific. They inhabit sandy and rubble substrates in lagoons and coastal reefs, often at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Their preference for burrowing means they are commonly associated with areas where their symbiotic shrimp partners can easily dig and maintain their shared homes.