Flaming Prawn Goby
Flaming Prawn Goby
Goes well with:
FAQs Answers to the most common questions.
Will a Flaming Prawn Goby actually live with a pistol shrimp, and if so which shrimp species are the best partners?
Yes, if it’s a true shrimp-goby type from the Stonogobiops/related “prawn goby” group, it will usually pair best with a small Alpheus pistol shrimp, especially peaceful burrow builders like Alpheus randalli. The goby and shrimp should be introduced into a mature sandbed so the shrimp can immediately start digging and the goby can claim the burrow. Not every individual pairs, but the best success comes when the shrimp is already established and the goby is healthy, alert, and willing to hover close to the substrate. Avoid large or aggressive pistol shrimp species that can bulldoze the goby or destabilize the burrow.
How much sand depth does a Flaming Prawn Goby need to maintain a proper burrow?
A minimum of about 2–3 inches of fine sand is ideal, with deeper areas even better if the tank allows it. The substrate should be fine enough for burrow construction but stable enough that tunnels don’t constantly collapse. Coarse crushed coral or very sharp sand makes burrow maintenance difficult. These gobies depend on a secure burrow entrance, so rockwork should sit firmly on the bottom glass before sand is added to prevent collapses from undermining the structure.
Will a Flaming Prawn Goby jump, and what kind of tank setup prevents losses?
Yes, absolutely—they are excellent jumpers, especially when startled, harassed, or when they’re still settling in. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory, not optional. Any gap around plumbing, feeding openings, or cable cutouts should be sealed. These gobies often live near burrow entrances and can launch straight up when spooked by tankmates, sudden movement, or a collapsing burrow. A covered tank with low stress and stable water flow dramatically reduces jump risk.
What should I feed a Flaming Prawn Goby, and how do I get a new one to eat in captivity?
They do best on small meaty foods: mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, copepod-rich frozen blends, and small sinking carnivore foods. New specimens often ignore larger pellets at first, so use small, moving foods and feed near the burrow entrance with a pipette or turkey baster. They are not strong grazers and usually won’t thrive on algae-based foods. Frequent small feedings work better than one large meal, especially during the acclimation period.
Is a Flaming Prawn Goby reef safe, and what tankmates commonly cause problems?
Yes, it is generally reef safe, but it is not always fish-community safe. It can be bullied by boisterous wrasses, dottybacks, hawkfishes, larger gobies, and aggressive damsels. Fast feeders may outcompete it at mealtime, while predatory fish can simply eat it. Best tankmates are calm, non-aggressive reef fish such as small clowns, firefish, cardinals, and peaceful blennies. Keep in mind that a stressed Flaming Prawn Goby will often stop hovering openly and may refuse food, so social pressure matters as much as water quality.
All listed sizes are approximate, not guaranteed, and may vary slightly.
Flaming Prawn Gobies (Discordipinna griessingeri) are tiny, cryptic reef fish known for their vibrant striping, elongated fins, and hovering behavior around caves and overhangs. Native to deeper reef environments throughout the Indo-Pacific, these gobies are rarely seen in the open and spend much of their time perched near rock crevices or darting between shaded hiding spots.
Despite their small size, Flaming Prawn Gobies are highly sought after for their unique appearance and peaceful nature. They are best suited for established nano and reef aquariums with calm tankmates and plenty of rockwork.
Care Requirements
Care Level: Moderate to Difficult – Sensitive feeder that requires a peaceful environment
Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Mature reef aquarium with caves, overhangs, low aggression, and stable water quality
Flaming Prawn Gobies do best in aquariums with abundant rockwork and shaded areas where they can feel secure. They may remain hidden frequently, especially during acclimation.
Diet & Nutrition
Flaming Prawn Gobies are carnivorous micro-predators that feed on tiny meaty foods and zooplankton in the water column.
Diet: Carnivore – Feeds on small meaty foods and microfauna
Recommended Foods:
- Copepods and live microfauna
- Baby brine shrimp
- Finely chopped mysis shrimp
- Cyclops and other small frozen foods
- Small pellet or prepared nano foods once acclimated
Frequent feeding is important due to their small size and fast metabolism. Newly imported individuals may initially rely on live foods before transitioning to frozen options.
Lifespan & Growth Rate
Lifespan: 2–4+ years
Growth Rate: Slow
With stable conditions and regular feeding, Flaming Prawn Gobies can adapt well to aquarium life and become more visible over time.
Temperament & Compatibility
Temperament: Peaceful – Extremely shy and non-aggressive
Reef Safe? Yes
Flaming Prawn Gobies are reef safe and compatible with corals and most peaceful nano reef inhabitants. They should not be housed with aggressive fish, fast feeders, or species that may outcompete them during feeding.
Good tankmates include small gobies, firefish, clownfish, and other peaceful nano species.
Avoid housing them with dottybacks, aggressive wrasses, hawkfish, larger basslets, or predatory fish.
Common Challenges & Considerations
Shy Behavior
Flaming Prawn Gobies are naturally cryptic and may spend extended periods hiding within rockwork.
Feeding Competition
Because of their small size and timid nature, they can struggle to compete for food in heavily stocked aquariums.
Jumping Risk
Like many small gobies, they may jump if startled. A tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended.
Acclimation Stress
New arrivals can be delicate and may take time to settle in and begin feeding consistently.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 75–77°F
dKH (Alkalinity): 8–9
pH: 8.1–8.3
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
Stable water quality, low aggression, and consistent access to small meaty foods are essential for long-term success with Flaming Prawn Gobies.
