Randall's Goby - Amblyeleotris randalli

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.