Watchman goby pairing

[fishfanatic2]

So the only fish in my tnk that is left is a yellow watchman goby, and he's a real trooper. I just got this far-fetched idea about what would happen with another goby in there. What's the lowdown on goby pairing and reproduction, and would they fight or would they pair, assuming I got one of the opposite gender. Thaks for any help!

 

[handyman]

I have one also, just going along for the ride to see whats said!

 

[fishfanatic2]

Come on, anybody?

 

[monkeyboy]

How 'bout tossing in an Alpheus shrimp buddy in there for him?

 

[fishfanatic2]

OK, but what are the shrimp's needs and requirments? Also, I know that the shrimp digs a burrow in the sand, but my goby has his own territory inside a rock, plus I don't have a DSB. WOuld they go in the rock? Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

An alpheid shrimp really needs deep substrate to burrow. It won't just live in the live rock. The fish/shrimp pairing is pretty species specific as well. As for pairing the goby...I have no experience or advice. Some gobies are sexually dimorphic, so that might help.

 

[fishfanatic2]

Ok, so back to the pairing of gobies thing. Anyone have experience?

 

[tld]

I had a bright yellow watchman goby with a pistol shrimp. The guy at the LFS told me that the silvery-colored ones were females and the bright yellow ones were males. I don't know if that's true or not, but I bought the silvery-colored one in hopes of getting a happy pair. They stayed on opposite sides of the tank (15 G nano) for about 3 weeks. The "male" seemed quite happy with the pistol shrimp while the "female" mostly hid (although it was fairly aggressive at feeding time). After about 2 weeks the "female" started turning more yellow. Then one day the "male" ventured over to the "female's" side of the tank during feeding time - no scuffles or any other sign of interaction - apparently just investigating. The next day they were paired up in the hole dug and maintained by the shrimp - both as bright yellow as they can be.

Now the 3 of them keep me entertained in my office at work all day. The shrimp has quite a burrow covering the entire bottom of the tank. It's always working, rearranging stuff - I swear they must have a 3 bedroom condo in there by now! And those gobies both have big round bellies. I wonder if they'll produce any offspring. That will really get the shrimp going - having to add on a nursery :wink:

Anyway - that's my experience - hope it helps.
Teresa

 

[fishfanatic2]

Cool! 8)

Just a few more inches of sand, and that would work! A goby pair and shrimp would be really nice... Thanks!