Dive Deeper: Info & Tips for Saltwater Gobies
Saltwater gobies are some of the most entertaining and practical fish in the marine aquarium hobby. From sand sifters to shrimp symbiotes, gobies come in a variety of shapes, colors, and behaviors that make them perfect for reef tanks and nano systems alike. At Top Shelf Aquatics, we offer a wide selection of gobies for sale, including favorites like the Mandarin Goby, Yellow Watchman Goby, and various pistol shrimp and goby pairs.
Gobies are generally peaceful, reef-safe, and hardy, which makes them great for both new and experienced hobbyists. Many species stay under three inches and occupy specific niches in the tank—whether it's burrowing, cleaning sand, or forming symbiotic relationships with shrimp. Their low bioload and unique personalities make them ideal for smaller aquariums.
Gobies are bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time perched on the substrate or within burrows. They often do best in tanks with a sandy bottom, stable rockwork, and minimal aggressive tankmates. Some, like the Yellow Watchman Goby, are known for pairing with pistol shrimp to share and defend a burrow, offering one of the most fascinating interactions in a home reef tank.
Mandarin Gobies, on the other hand, are known for their psychedelic coloration and peaceful nature, but they require a mature tank with a steady supply of copepods due to their specialized diet. Sand sifting gobies such as the Diamond Goby help keep the substrate clean by continuously turning over the sand.
Top Saltwater Gobies
Mandarin Goby – Brilliantly colored and reef safe, this goby needs a pod-rich tank to thrive but is peaceful and ideal for established reef systems.
Yellow Watchman Goby – Hardy and full of personality, this goby often pairs with pistol shrimp to form a fun and functional symbiosis.
Diamond Goby – A sand sifting species that cleans the substrate as it searches for food. Great for larger tanks with open sand beds.
Yasha Goby – Small, beautifully marked, and commonly found in shrimp-pair setups. Perfect for nano and peaceful reef tanks.
Neon Goby – A tiny, bold cleaner goby that helps remove parasites from tank mates and thrives in smaller aquariums.
Ideal Parameter Range
- Salinity: 1.023–1.026
- Temperature: 74–80°F
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Less than 20 ppm
Setting Up the Right Aquarium for Gobies
Most gobies do well in tanks as small as 10–20 gallons, depending on the species. It's important to provide a sand bed for burrowers and sand sifters, along with plenty of live rock for hiding spaces. Avoid aggressive tankmates, especially larger wrasses or triggerfish, which may harass or outcompete gobies.
Gobies are known for jumping, so a tight-fitting lid is highly recommended. If housing a pistol shrimp and goby pair, ensure fine substrate and stable rockwork to support their shared burrow.
Feeding Saltwater Gobies
Feeding needs vary by species. Most gobies will accept frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp, along with small pellet or flake foods. Mandarin gobies, however, rely heavily on live copepods and should only be kept in well-established systems with refugiums or regular pod supplementation.
Feed 1–2 times daily and observe where food is landing—bottom feeders may need targeted feeding if competing with mid-column fish.
Why Buy Gobies from Top Shelf Aquatics?
Top Shelf Aquatics offers healthy, copper-treated gobies that are acclimated and conditioned for life in reef aquariums. Whether you're looking for a sand sifter, a shrimp symbiont, or a peaceful nano addition, we have a diverse lineup of gobies for sale to fit your tank's needs.
With expert guidance and a variety of vibrant species, we make it easy to find the perfect goby for your setup.
