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Marine   Fishes

Yellow Watchman Goby
(Cryptocentrus cinctus)

Yellow Watchman Goby

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Cryptocentrus cinctus
Cryptocentrus flavus
Smilogobius cinctus

Common name
Yellow Watchman Goby
Yellow prawn goby
Yellow Watchman Prawn
Yellow Shrimp Goby

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Eastern Pacific Ocean
Natural habitat: on the edge of sandy areas of coral reefs (10 m / 33 feet deep)

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

Once adult, the female is slightly larger. As egg-laying approaches, the pregnant female is more bouncy than the male.

Group

Group

Gobiidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

100 L / 22 Imp Gal / 26 US Gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 23 to 28°C or 73 to 82°F
pH: 7.5 to 8.5
Density: 1021 to 1026

Difficulty

Difficulty

Average

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

8 to 12 cm (3.2 to 4.8")

Longevity

what is the average life expectancy of this fish?

/

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

Couple

Food

How to feed the Yellow Watchman Goby?

Food

How to feed the Yellow Watchman Goby?

It is a carnivorous fish that eats mostly small crustaceans in the wild. It is fairly easy to feed and has a very good appetite (the amount it can swallow is disproportionate to its size). This will surely surprise you but it is normal)! Feed it abundantly and never subject it to a diet.

During the acclimatization phase, feed him live prey. Then he can easily switch to frozen or dry food. However, to maintain a good dietary balance, always vary its meals between these three forms of food.

On the menu: artemia, small krills, mysis, cyclops, spirulina enriched granules and flakes, small pieces of shrimp, mussels, squid, octopus... Do not hesitate to enrich food with vitamins (vitamin A among others). It is an opportunistic fish that waits close to its mark for prey to come to it. Distribute its meal near its lair! Ideally, feed it several times a day.

Finally, also make sure that the fish feeds well in the presence of a shrimp that is symbiotic with it (see "cohabitation"). This is because it too is quite quick on food and can only leave crumbs for its roommate).

If necessary, first feed the shrimp with a pipette and then distribute the meal to the Goby.

A Goby that doesn't eat quickly enough. Check the health of your fish regularly.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Yellow Watchman Goby have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Yellow Watchman Goby have?

TSociable, peaceful and very calm (except towards other Gobies of the same sex). Even if this task can be accomplished by the shrimp with which it lives in symbiosis (see "cohabitation"), it can dig its shelter in the sand itself. He will also maintain it regularly. Note, however, that he can also choose a cavity as a burrow. Once installed, he never strays from the safety of his den.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Yellow Watchman Goby?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Yellow Watchman Goby?

First of all, let's start with the natural state of this fish: it pairs and associates with shrimps of the genus Alpheus (family Alpheidae).

Cryptocentrus cinctus and Alpheus bellulus

Here is the observable symbiosis between these two species: the shrimp has poor eyesight (almost blind even). It digs a burrow that will serve as a refuge for itself and the Goby. As for the Goby, they are the eyes of the shrimp: they stand guard and act as a warning when a predator approaches. Together, they maintain the shelter. In marine aquariums, this type of association, in addition to being very interesting to observe, is particularly recommended for the well-being of your animals. Generally, the Cryptocentrus cinctus is associated with the tiger shrimp (Alpheus bellulus).

In aquariums, this Goby lives alone or better: in couple as in the wild. On the other hand, at the time of your purchase, it is absolutely necessary that the couple is certified, and that they are already associated with each other in the sales tank. Don't hesitate to insist on this point when you buy, as it is very important. Indeed, if you find yourself with 2 males, they can fight to the death. Indeed, the association of two males in the same aquarium can trigger fights ending in the death of one of the protagonists. The cohabitation of two females can also be problematic. Of course, in very large volumes, several pairs of Gobies can be kept together as long as the rocky scenery prevents them from seeing each other. Interesting fact: the female protects her male and her territory from other gobies!

As for the other species of fish, it is better not to put it with specimens that are too lively or stirring. Indeed, this fearful fish can be intimidated by these behaviours, as well as by the overly large size of its roommates. For these reasons, a specific aquarium is preferable.

Finally, invertebrates and corals are safe in the company of this species!

Breeding

How to breed the Yellow Watchman Goby?

Breeding

How to breed the Yellow Watchman Goby?

Cryptocentrus cinctus in pair

Captive breeding has been successful relatively recently and little information is available.

Oviposition is deposited in cavities such as snail shells or inverted flower pots for example. The parents watch over their eggs.

Fry feeding: rotifers then copepods.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Yellow Watchman Goby?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Yellow Watchman Goby?

Perfectly adapted to the reef aquarium, the decor can be composed of rocks and corals. However, the bottom of the aquarium will be entirely reserved for it, with areas of sand essential for its installation and good maintenance.

Because of his behaviour (he or the symbiotic shrimp can dig their shelter in the sand), the area dedicated to him must imperatively be composed of sand of medium granulometry and not sharp. Make a layer of sand at least 7 or 8 cm (2.8 or 3.2") thick.

Cryptocentrus cinctus in an aquarium

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

There is a white variant of this species, less sought-after but just as beautiful!

Cryptocentrus cinctus white

With the presence of a shrimp, there are always two entrances to the Yellow Watchman Goby burrow.

Fairly robust, the Cryptocentrus cinctus is not particularly susceptible to disease (within the limits of proper maintenance though) and is easy to acclimatize.

Its name Cryptocentrus comes from the Greek word meaning "hidden". Can you guess its main behaviour?

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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