Bluespotted Watchman Goby

The Bluespotted Watchman Goby, commonly referred to as the Blackfinned Shrimp Goby, was first discovered by Bleeker in 1849. There are two color phases. The first has an orange head with blue spots, the body is orange with red bands, and the dorsal fin has black spots. The second phase is olive drab with blue spots.

It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble. It requires ample swimming room and a sand bottom for burrowing. Rarely will it become aggressive towards other fish, but it is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair. It may also be aggressive towards smaller ornamental shrimp. The aquarium requires a tight-fitting cover to prevent it from jumping out.

The Bluespotted Watchman Goby feeds mostly on prey suspended in the water column but will pick food off the substrate. The diet should include mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and table shrimp. It should be fed at least three times per day.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 2-1/2"; Medium: 2-1/2" to 4"; Large: 4 to 5-1/2"