Yellow Watchman Goby Care Guide
Overview and appearance
The Yellow Watchman, also known as the Yellow Prawn or Yellow Shrimp Goby, is one of the unique and desired fish available for a saltwater aquarium. It is a peaceful fish that is a mix of yellow and brown colors with small amounts of blue.
Although these fish are very small and overall peaceful, they are very territorial and will not tolerate other Gobies in the same tank even if there is plenty of space. The only exception would be if they are a mated pair that was introduced into the tank at the same time.
A popular behavior of the Yellow Watchman Goby is it will form a special bond with a Pistol Shrimp and they will become a great pair. The Goby will protect the shrimp from danger and alert it when trouble should arise. The shrimp will dig and make a cave for them both to live in. So they both benefit from the relationship.
They require a sand substrate and plenty of hiding spaces in the tank. Even though they are easy to care for, it’s important to have stable water parameters as poor water quality can easily affect their health.
A great thing about these fish is they don’t require a large tank. A small or nano tank is fine for them. They will only grow to be 3-4″ maximum size and are suitable for beginners.
Temperament – Are Yellow Watchman Gobies aggressive?
As mentioned above, these fish are generally peaceful, but they are territorial and will not get along with other Gobies. Unless they are a mated pair. They will get along with other peaceful saltwater fish, and they will appreciate having a Pistol Shrimp to socialize with and form a bond.
They won’t bother invertebrates in the tank so snails, crabs and shrimp are safe.
It’s not a good idea to have them in the same tank with larger aggressive fish. There is a good chance they will be bullied or eaten.
Habitat
The Yellow Watchman Goby is commonly seen in the Indo-Pacific region and swims at a wide range of depths from 3–80 feet. It generally sticks to the coastal and bay areas.
Feeding requirements
The Yellow Watchman Goby is not a picky eater and will welcome most foods. In order for them to stay healthy, they should be offered a varied diet of Mysis and brine shrimp, table shrimp, and other frozen meaty carnivores. It should be fed a few times per day.
They will also accept quality marine flake food. They may be timid to eat flakes when first introduced to the tank, but it won’t take long for them to start eating.
Disease
The Watchman Goby is not generally susceptible to any particular diseases. However, it’s possible for them to potentially harbor viruses or bacteria when they’re first purchased.
It’s important to quarantine a new Watchman Goby in its own, smaller aquarium for a few weeks before adding it to your main tank to check for any signs of illness.
Are Yellow Watchman Gobies reef safe?
Yes, they are considered to be reef safe, and you should not have any issues with them bothering corals.
Cost
If you are looking to buy a Watchman Goby for your tank, the great news is they are easily available at most fish stores and online. Most are sold at the 1-2″ size and will cost around $20.
Should you add a Yellow Watchman Goby to your aquarium?
These fish make an amazing addition to your saltwater tank. Even if you are a beginner hobbyist, you can keep one of these in your tank provided you follow the information in this guide.
Before you buy this fish, make sure you can meet these requirements:
- No other Gobies in the tank
- Good water quality
- Provide proper diet
- Keep them with non-aggressive tankmates.
Remember, if you can provide these fish with a Pistol Shrimp, you will love the behavior pattern of these fish!