Yellow Watchman Goby

The Yellow Watchman Goby is a hardy and peaceful reef favorite, known for its bright golden-yellow body and curious, watchful personality. Often seen perching near its burrow, this goby will keep an eye on its surroundings and can form a fascinating symbiotic bond with pistol shrimp, such as the Candy Cane (Randall’s) Pistol Shrimp.

When paired, the goby acts as the lookout while the shrimp digs and maintains their shared burrow — one of the most entertaining natural behaviors to watch in a reef tank.

• Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus cinctus

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Reef Safe: Yes

• Diet: Carnivore — accepts frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and sinking pellets

• Care Level: Easy

• Max Size: ~4 inches

• Tank Requirements: Sandbed with caves or rockwork; secure lid to prevent jumping

Note: Best kept with peaceful tankmates. A fine sand substrate is essential for burrowing behavior, especially if paired with a pistol shrimp.