Description
Sunspot Goby – Amblyeleotris guttata
Overview:
The Sunspot Goby is a striking shrimp goby, known for its elongated body, white background coloration, and scattered orange to reddish spots, with a distinctive orange “sunspot” marking on its dorsal fin. Like other shrimp gobies, it often forms a symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimps, sharing a burrow where the goby acts as a lookout while the shrimp maintains the burrow.
Origin:
Found throughout the Western Pacific, inhabiting sandy flats and rubble zones near coral reefs.
Feeding:
Carnivorous – primarily feeds on small crustaceans, copepods, and zooplankton. In captivity, it adapts to frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality micro-pellets. Supplement feedings to ensure it thrives in a reef tank.
Tank Mates:
Peaceful and reef-safe. Best housed with small, non-aggressive reef fish and invertebrates. Known to pair naturally with Alpheus pistol shrimps, which makes for a fascinating display. Avoid aggressive fish that may outcompete it for food.
Aggression:
Low. Very peaceful, though it may defend its burrow from other bottom-dwelling gobies if space is limited.
Experience Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. Hardy, but requires a sandy substrate for burrow building and preferably a pistol shrimp partner. Must have a tight-fitting lid, as it is prone to jumping.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
-
pH: 8.1–8.4
-
Salinity: 1.020–1.025
-
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
The Sunspot Goby (Amblyeleotris guttata) is an excellent choice for reef aquariums, combining beautiful markings, peaceful temperament, and fascinating shrimp-goby symbiosis.
