Guttata Shrimp Goby

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The Guttata Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris guttata) is a fascinating marine goby recognised for its pale white to cream-coloured body covered in distinctive orange spots and darker markings. Its unusual appearance, peaceful temperament and fascinating relationship with pistol shrimp make it an excellent addition to a suitably established reef aquarium.

Also known as the Blackchest Shrimpgoby, Spotted Prawn Goby or Orange-spotted Shrimp Goby, this species is found throughout the Western Pacific, including Australian waters, the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding tropical reef systems.

The Guttata Shrimp Goby typically reaches approximately 9–11cm in length. It spends much of its time close to the sandy substrate, where it establishes and maintains a burrow with its pistol shrimp partner.

The Goby and Pistol Shrimp Relationship

One of the most interesting features of this species is its remarkable symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp from the Alpheidae family.

The pistol shrimp is responsible for excavating and maintaining their shared burrow, while the goby acts as a lookout. Because pistol shrimp have relatively poor eyesight, they rely on the goby's ability to detect approaching predators.

The shrimp maintains physical contact with the goby using its antennae. When the goby senses danger, it signals the shrimp, allowing both animals to retreat safely into their burrow.

This natural partnership makes a Guttata Shrimp Goby pair particularly entertaining to observe, as they work together to maintain their home and respond to their surroundings.

Aquarium Requirements

Guttata Shrimp Gobies are best suited to established marine aquariums with a generous sandy substrate and plenty of suitable hiding places.

A sand bed approximately 5–8cm deep, incorporating a mixture of sand and small rubble, provides a suitable foundation for burrow construction. Secure rockwork is essential, as the pistol shrimp will continuously excavate and move substrate around its chosen hiding area.

Provide a peaceful aquarium environment with stable salinity, good filtration and consistent water quality. A secure aquarium lid or mesh cover is strongly recommended, as shrimp gobies are capable of jumping when startled.

A minimum aquarium size of approximately 110 litres is recommended for a goby and pistol shrimp pair.

Feeding and Nutrition

Guttata Shrimp Gobies are carnivorous and feed primarily on small crustaceans and other meaty foods.

In captivity, they generally accept a variety of frozen and prepared foods, including:

• Frozen mysis shrimp.

• Enriched brine shrimp.

• Finely chopped marine seafood.

• Frozen copepods.

• Small sinking marine pellets.

New arrivals may initially be shy and reluctant to feed. Target feeding near the entrance of their burrow can help ensure they receive sufficient nutrition.

Offer small portions once or twice daily and monitor their feeding behaviour, particularly during the initial settling-in period.

Compatibility and Reef Suitability

Guttata Shrimp Gobies are generally peaceful and suitable for reef aquariums. They can be housed with compatible community fish, corals and most established reef inhabitants.

Suitable tank mates include clownfish, cardinalfish, firefish, smaller wrasses and other peaceful reef species.

Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive dottybacks, hawkfish, groupers and other species that may harass or consume the goby or its pistol shrimp partner.

The pistol shrimp is generally reef compatible, although its burrowing activity can disturb loose corals, frag plugs and unsecured rockwork. Small ornamental shrimp may also be at risk if they venture too close to its burrow.

Important: The goby and pistol shrimp are best introduced together to encourage their natural symbiotic relationship. Although pairing is highly likely when supplied together, their continued association cannot be guaranteed.

Quick Care Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is included in a Guttata Shrimp Goby pair?

A typical Guttata pair consists of one Guttata Shrimp Goby and one compatible pistol shrimp. They form a fascinating partnership, sharing a burrow and working together for protection.

2. Do Guttata Shrimp Gobies need a pistol shrimp?

They can survive without a pistol shrimp, but having a compatible partner allows them to display their natural symbiotic behaviour. Providing a suitable shrimp partner is highly recommended.

3. Are Guttata Shrimp Gobies reef safe?

Yes. The goby is considered reef safe and will generally leave corals alone. However, the pistol shrimp may move sand around coral frags and occasionally disturb unsecured decorations.

4. How deep should the sand bed be?

A sand bed approximately 5–8cm deep is recommended to allow the pistol shrimp to construct and maintain a stable burrow. A mixture of sand and small rubble can help support the burrow structure.

5. What do Guttata Shrimp Gobies eat?

They accept meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and finely chopped seafood. Target feeding near their burrow can be beneficial.

6. Can I keep more than one Guttata Shrimp Goby pair?

It is generally best to keep one established pair per aquarium unless the aquarium is particularly large and provides sufficient space for separate territories and burrows. They can become territorial towards other shrimp gobies.

Common Mistakes

1. Not providing enough sand: Pistol shrimp require suitable substrate to construct and maintain their burrows. Bare-bottom aquariums and very shallow sand beds are unsuitable.

2. Unsecured rockwork: Pistol shrimp are active excavators. Rockwork resting directly on sand can become unstable as the shrimp digs underneath it. Secure rocks directly onto the aquarium base before adding substrate.

3. Keeping aggressive tank mates: Large predatory fish and aggressive species can prevent the goby from leaving its burrow to feed, resulting in stress and starvation.

4. Failing to target feed: These gobies can be shy, particularly when first introduced. Ensure food reaches the burrow entrance rather than allowing faster tank mates to consume everything.

5. Leaving the aquarium uncovered: Shrimp gobies are known jumpers. An uncovered aquarium or gaps around equipment can result in accidental escapes.

6. Using copper-based medication around the shrimp: Pistol shrimp and other crustaceans are sensitive to copper treatments. Never expose the shrimp to copper-based medications. If treatment is necessary, use an appropriately equipped hospital aquarium.