Goby – Yellow Watchman

Minimum Tank Size: 10 Gallons

Max Size: Up to 10cm (4”)

Diet: Carnivore

Temperament: Peaceful

Lifespan: Up to 7 years

Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus cinctus

Other Names: Yellow Prawn, Yellow Shrimp Goby

Coral Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: Yes

Approx. Purchase Size: 1.5 – 2 inches

The yellow watchman goby, scientific name Cryptocentrus Cinctus is a peaceful fish. Their minimum tank size is 10 gallons. They can grow up to 4” and can live up to 7 years. Yellow watchmen are omnivores and should be fed frozen meaty foods such as mysis or brine shrimp. Yellow watchman gobies should be kept singly. Yellow watchman are reef safe, they will not bother coral or invertebrates. They will often be seen sitting on the ground in the tank. The yellow watchman is also referred to as the yellow prawn goby or the yellow shrimp goby. Yellow watchman will create a symbiosis relationship with pistol shrimp, sticking together the shrimp will create a cavern for the fish and shrimp to live in. The pistol shrimp has bad eyesight and is always touching the fish to use as a warning sign to alert him when predators are nearby. When the fish retreats to the hole, the shrimp follows. Prawn gobies do not need a pistol shrimp to do well in a tank and can be introduced at separate times.