Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)

Description:
A type of watchman goby that occurs in multiple color morphs, some are yellow in color with bluish-white spots, or brownish white with bluish-white spots. Watchman gobies are generally characterized by eyes that are located at the top of their heads, an adaptation that is suited for sight.

Also called:

Spotted Watchman Goby or Yellow Prawn Goby

Natural Ecology:
Watchman gobies are naturally found in association with snapping (or pistol) shrimp of the genus Alpheus. The gobies spend most of their time “on watch” for predators and depend on the shrimp to excavate and maintain the burrow. The snapping shrimp maintains contact with the goby with one or both of its antennae because the goby will flick its tail rapidly to signal for any necessary retreat.

Indigenous To:
The Philippines

Behavior:
Peaceful, most seen sitting at the entrance of its burrow, often venturing away from the entrance at feeding time. Prefers a sandy bottom. When keeping several individuals in the same aquarium, the group usually breaks into isolated pairs, with each pair sharing the same burrow.

Compatibility:
Easy Care level and Ideal scavenger in reef aquariums. Watchman gobies will also burrow and aid in shifting the sand in an aquarium.

Food:
Proaquatix specimens have been weaned to take aquarium pellets and flakes. Freshly frozen invertebrates such as ocean plankton, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped squid.