Randall's Goby Fish

WYSIWYG – Approx. Size: 2.00-2.25 Inches

Randall's Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli)

The Randall’s Goby, also called the Orange Stripe Shrimp Goby, is a peaceful, symbiotic reef fish known for its vibrant orange bands and endearing relationship with pistol shrimp. Native to the sandy bottoms of the Indo-Pacific, this species is a favorite among reef aquarists for its bold coloration, watchful behavior, and beneficial burrow-digging partnership with shrimp like Alpheus randalli. Small but full of character, it’s an ideal addition to nano and community reef systems alike.

Tank Requirements

A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, though larger tanks (30+ gallons) are preferred if pairing with a shrimp or if housed with other bottom-dwellers. Provide:

• Fine sand substrate for burrowing

• Live rock for structure and security

• Peaceful environment with low to moderate flow

This species thrives in mature reef tanks with stable parameters. Avoid coarse substrates that can damage the fish’s delicate underside or inhibit shrimp burrowing behavior.

Color, Personality, and Hardiness

Randall’s Goby sports a pale, translucent white body adorned with vibrant orange-red horizontal stripes and a yellow-rimmed head. A high-set first dorsal fin often adds flair when raised. It is known for forming a mutualistic bond with pistol shrimp, standing guard while the shrimp excavates and maintains their shared burrow.

This goby is peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for once acclimated, making it a great choice for beginner to advanced aquarists alike.

Diet and Feeding

Randall’s Goby is a micro-carnivore, feeding on small planktonic and benthic organisms. In the aquarium, it accepts:

• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp

• Finely chopped seafood

• Copepods, calanus

• High-quality micro-pellets and enriched flake foods

Feed 1–2 times daily, offering food near its burrow to encourage feeding if shy. If paired with a shrimp, ensure both goby and shrimp have access to food.

Tankmates and Behavior

Randall’s Goby is peaceful and shy, best housed with other non-aggressive fish and reef-safe inverts. Ideal tankmates include:

• Other small gobies

• Blennies

• Cardinals

• Dartfish

• Reef-safe wrasses (e.g., fairy, flasher)

It is best kept singly or as a bonded pair. When paired with a pistol shrimp, the two form a fascinating and beneficial symbiosis. Avoid:

• Aggressive tankmates (e.g., dottybacks, large wrasses)

• Predatory inverts

• Overly active fish that might outcompete it for food

Reef-safe – will not nip corals or bother ornamental inverts. Its burrowing may lightly disturb sand-bed corals, but typically not enough to cause issues.