Description

Hi Fin Banded Goby – Stonogobiops xanthorhinica

Overview:
The Hi Fin Banded Goby is a small, striking goby distinguished by its vivid horizontal bands and tall dorsal fin. This sand-dwelling species often forms a symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows for protection and creating a fascinating, interactive display in reef aquariums.

Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in sandy reef flats and lagoons, where it burrows or associates with shrimp.

Feeding:
Carnivorous – feeds on small invertebrates, plankton, and micro-crustaceans. In captivity, it accepts frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and sinking micro-pellets, preferably offered in multiple small meals daily.

Tank Mates:
Peaceful and reef-safe, suitable for nano and larger reef tanks with other non-aggressive fish. Avoid predatory species that may disturb burrows.

Aggression:
Low. Territorial around its burrow but generally peaceful; may defend its immediate area from conspecifics.

Experience Level:
Intermediate. Requires a sandy substrate at least 3 inches deep and preferably a pistol shrimp partner to thrive.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

The Hi Fin Banded Goby (Stonogobiops xanthorhinica) is a peaceful, colorful, and behaviorally fascinating goby, perfect for sand-bed microhabitats in reef aquariums and nano tank enthusiasts.