Wheeler's Shrimp Goby

Wheeler's Shrimp Goby: The Symbiotic Sentinel

The Wheeler's Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris wheeleri), also known as the Gorgeous Prawn-Goby or Wheeler's Watchman Goby, is a captivating and highly sought-after species due to its beautiful coloration and fascinating natural behavior. This goby's slender body is marked with a striking pattern of white or pale yellow featuring distinct reddish-brown to red vertical bands and small blue dots scattered across its face and body, giving it a vibrant, "candy cane" appearance.

The primary appeal of the Wheeler's Shrimp Goby is its tendency to form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp (such as the Candy Pistol Shrimp, Alpheus randalli). The nearly blind shrimp diligently excavates and maintains a shared burrow within the sand bed, while the goby acts as the vigilant lookout, resting near the entrance and warning the shrimp of danger with a flick of its tail. This partnership is a stunning natural display for any home aquarium.

Given its small size, maxing out at about 3.5 inches, the Wheeler's Shrimp Goby is suitable for a minimum tank size of **20 to 30 gallons**. A deep bed of fine sand and rubble is essential to allow for proper burrow construction. Ensure all rockwork is placed directly on the tank bottom, not the sand, to prevent cave-ins from burrowing activity. It is completely reef safe and peaceful, but prone to jumping when startled, so a tight-fitting lid is a must. This carnivore requires a varied diet of meaty foods; target-feeding frozen or live mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, or copepods near its burrow entrance may be necessary.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Amblyeleotris wheeleri
• Common Names: Wheeler's Shrimp Goby, Gorgeous Prawn-Goby, Wheeler's Watchman Goby
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 3.5 inches
• Temperament: Peaceful (Territorial toward other similar gobies)
• Diet: Carnivore. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates. Requires frozen/live meaty foods.
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Special Feature: Forms a symbiotic bond with pistol shrimp.