Randall's Goby
Randall's Goby
Goes well with:
FAQs Answers to the most common questions.
How deep should the sand bed be for a Randall’s Prawn Goby, and what grain size is best if I want it to pair with a pistol shrimp?
Aim for a 2–3 inch sand bed using mostly fine aragonite (0.5–1 mm) with some larger grains mixed in. Fine sand allows a pistol shrimp (such as Alpheus randalli or A. bellulus) to dig stable burrows, while a bit of coarser material (1–2 mm) helps prevent cave collapse. Avoid very coarse crushed coral as it’s hard for the shrimp to move and can cause unstable tunnels.
My Randall’s Prawn Goby spends most of the day hidden in its burrow and only peeks out. Is this normal, and what can I change in the aquascape to make it more visible?
This behavior is normal, especially in bright or busy tanks. To encourage more visible activity, build rockwork that forms “overhangs” and caves right against the front glass, then slope sand up against these structures so the shrimp can place burrow entrances where you can see them. Provide several burrow “starter” spots (small rock piles on the sand) in open areas. Keeping lighting slightly dimmer and maintaining a peaceful tank with few boisterous fish will also help the goby feel secure enough to sit farther out of the burrow.
Can Randall’s Prawn Gobies be kept in groups or pairs, and how can I increase the chance of forming a compatible pair in a home aquarium?
In small tanks, keep a single individual; in larger systems (4 feet or longer with many burrow sites), you may keep a pair, but random groups tend to fight. The species is not easy to sex by eye, so pairing is trial and error. The safest approach is to introduce 3–4 small juveniles at once into a larger, rock-filled tank, then let a pair form naturally and remove any individuals that are being chased or excluded from burrows. Introduce all gobies at the same time to reduce territorial disputes, and provide multiple separated sand zones so subdominant fish can settle elsewhere until you identify a stable pair.
My Randall’s Prawn Goby is eating, but its belly looks pinched and it’s getting thinner. What specific feeding strategy and foods work best for this species?
Feed small, frequent meals—2 to 3 times per day—directly near its burrow, because this fish is a cautious feeder. Use a turkey baster or feeding pipette to deliver finely chopped meaty foods like mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped clam or shrimp, and high-quality nano pellets that sink slowly. Soak foods in a vitamin supplement occasionally to support health. If tankmates are fast feeders, distract them with food at one side of the tank while you target-feed the goby at its burrow entrance so it gets its share.
Will a Randall’s Prawn Goby jump out of the tank, and are there specific conditions that make jumping more likely for this species?
Randall’s Prawn Gobies are capable jumpers, especially when newly introduced, startled at night, or chased by tankmates. Any gap in the lid, overflow, or back section of the tank can be an escape route. A tight-fitting lid or mesh screen with openings no larger than about 1/4 inch is essential. Jump risk is highest during the first couple of weeks, so dim the lights when introducing the fish, avoid sudden movements near the tank, and ensure it has burrow options in quieter areas of the aquascape so it feels secure and is less likely to bolt upward when spooked.
All listed sizes are approximate, not guaranteed, and may vary slightly.
Randall's Prawn Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli)
The Randall's Prawn Goby is a peaceful and highly sought-after reef fish, admired for its elegant orange-and-white pattern and fascinating symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. Its white body is crossed by bold orange bands and accented with a distinctive orange stripe running through the eye, giving it a clean, understated appearance. Native to the Indo-Pacific, this bottom-dwelling species spends much of its time standing watch outside its burrow, making it one of the most captivating gobies for reef aquariums.
Tank Requirements
A 20-gallon or larger aquarium with a sandy substrate is recommended. Provide plenty of live rock and rubble to support burrow construction, along with open sand areas where the goby can establish its territory. A secure lid is essential, as this species may jump when startled. Randall's Prawn Gobies are especially rewarding when paired with a compatible pistol shrimp, which will share and maintain a common burrow.
Color, Personality, and Hardiness
This species features a bright white body marked by bold orange bands and a prominent orange stripe through the eye. Peaceful and observant, it spends much of the day perched at the entrance of its burrow, retreating only when threatened. While initially shy, it becomes increasingly confident once acclimated. Randall's Prawn Goby is hardy in mature reef aquariums with stable water quality and a calm environment.
Diet and Feeding
Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine meats, and high-quality sinking pellets. Randall's Prawn Gobies readily accept prepared foods once established and benefit from small, frequent feedings. A diverse diet supports healthy growth, vibrant coloration, and long-term success.
Tankmates and Behavior
Completely reef-safe and exceptionally peaceful, Randall's Prawn Gobies are excellent additions to community reef aquariums. They coexist well with other gentle fish but should not be housed with aggressive or overly territorial species. Their natural partnership with pistol shrimp is one of the most fascinating behaviors in marine aquaria, with the shrimp excavating and maintaining the burrow while the goby serves as a vigilant lookout, warning of approaching danger through constant physical contact.
