Flaming Prawn Goby (Discordipinna Griessingeri) saltwater aquarium fish

The Flaming Prawn Goby (Discordipinna griessingeri) is a diminutive reef goby that tops out near 1.2 inches, making it one of the smallest fishes kept in home aquariums. The elongated body is cream-white to yellow above with orange to brownish-orange coloration along the lower half, punctuated by dark spots on the head and orange-red fins marked with dark blotches. Its most distinctive feature is the set of conspicuously elongated anterior dorsal spines, which the fish raises during interactions. The species occurs widely through the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea east to the Marquesas region, where it occupies shallow reef zones built of live coral, rubble, sand, and sheltered crevices. Despite the common name, this goby forms no partnership with pistol shrimp and does not share a burrow.

Housing should begin with at least a 10-gallon aquarium, though the priority is structure rather than volume. Build the aquascape from mature rockwork riddled with caves, cracks, and narrow crevices, and finish the bottom with soft sand mixed with rubble. This is a cryptic bottom dweller that spends its time working the substrate and reef interstices, so sheltered feeding stations and hiding places matter far more than open swimming room. Introduce the fish only to a biologically established system with stable water quality, since a mature tank supplies the continuous supply of tiny live prey the goby depends on. A tight-fitting lid is essential; startled individuals may jump and can slip through remarkably small openings.

On the reef, this goby feeds as a small carnivore and opportunistic scavenger, taking minute crustaceans and other tiny invertebrate prey from coral, rubble, and sand. In the aquarium, the foundation of its diet should be a resident population of copepods and amphipods within the rockwork and substrate. That standing food supply is the single most important factor in long-term success, which is why a well-established system is strongly preferred over a newly cycled one.

Supplement the natural grazing with appropriately sized meaty offerings: live or frozen copepods, baby brine shrimp, rotifers, calanus, and finely sized reef preparations. Two feedings per day suit this small, high-metabolism fish. Because the goby is shy and may rarely be observed eating, it can lose out to faster or bolder tankmates, so target-feed near its preferred shelter until it settles in and learns to meet food in the open.

Live Copepods Frozen Copepods Baby Brine Shrimp Rotifers Calanus Finely Sized Frozen Reef Foods Amphipods
Peaceful and active near the bottom, the Flaming Prawn Goby is also highly secretive, often remaining tucked among cracks and crevices for long stretches. Owners should expect intermittent sightings rather than constant display, particularly during the first weeks after introduction. Individuals can be kept singly, in pairs, or in small groups; when housed together they tend to claim small territories and signal to one another with their enlarged fins rather than escalating to real conflict.

Tankmate selection should favor small, calm, peaceful fishes. Large, boisterous, aggressive, or predatory species are poor company, since a 1.2-inch goby is easily intimidated and can be eaten outright. In the reef display this species is entirely trustworthy, posing no reported threat to hard corals, soft corals, or sessile invertebrates, and marine shrimp and snails are listed among its suitable companions. The real compatibility concern runs the other direction: protecting this tiny fish from tankmates large enough to harass or consume it.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Flaming Prawn Goby

  • What minimum tank and aquascape does a Flaming Prawn Goby need?
    Provide at least a 10-gallon, biologically established aquarium with abundant mature rockwork, caves, tight crevices, and a soft sand-and-rubble bottom. A secure lid is important because this tiny goby can jump through small openings.
  • Will this goby be visible often, and what tankmates suit it?
    It is a cryptic, shy bottom dweller that may stay hidden much of the time, especially when newly added. Pair it with small, peaceful fishes and avoid large, boisterous, aggressive, or predatory species that could intimidate or eat it.
  • What should a Flaming Prawn Goby be fed?
    Offer tiny carnivorous foods such as copepods, baby brine shrimp, rotifers, calanus, and finely sized frozen or prepared meaty items, generally twice daily. An established population of copepods and amphipods in the rockwork is valuable because this secretive fish is often difficult to observe feeding.