Stonogobiops yasha (Yasha Goby / Yasha Shrimp Goby / White Ray Shrimp Goby)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes
• Minimum tank size: 40L+ (preferably 75L+ for pairs or shrimp-goby partnerships)
• Adult size: ~5 cm (2 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous (marine pellets, frozen mysis/brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood)
• Be aware of: Forms a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. Prone to jumping, requiring a secure lid. Best kept with peaceful tank mates.
Yasha Goby (Stonogobiops yasha) – A Striking and Shy Sand-Dweller
The Yasha Goby, also known as the Yasha Shrimp Goby or White Ray Shrimp Goby, is a rare and visually stunning species that captivates aquarists with its bold red-and-white striped pattern and elegant elongated dorsal fin. This species is best known for forming a symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimp, creating a fascinating and interactive display in reef aquariums. Due to its small size, timid nature, and jumping tendency, it thrives best in a peaceful, well-secured aquarium with ample sand and rockwork.
Appearance and Coloration
The Yasha Goby is one of the most visually unique shrimp gobies, featuring:
• A white body with deep red or orange horizontal stripes, running from head to tail.
• A long, flowing white dorsal fin, often raised in display.
• Bright yellow eyes, contrasting sharply with its red-and-white body.
• Transparent fins with subtle red and yellow speckling, adding to its delicate beauty.
Their small size and striking coloration make them a highly desirable nano reef fish.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Western Pacific, particularly around Japan and Indonesia, Yasha Gobies inhabit sandy reef slopes and rubble zones, where they:
• Live in burrows alongside pistol shrimp, relying on them for shelter and protection.
• Are highly territorial, staying close to their burrow and retreating inside when threatened.
• Use their excellent eyesight to detect predators, flicking their dorsal fin to communicate with their shrimp partner.
• Are often found in small pairs, cohabiting peacefully with a single pistol shrimp.
In captivity, they retain their burrowing behavior and will often be seen peeking out from their sandy home, ready to dart inside at the slightest disturbance.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Yasha Gobies are delicate but hardy once established, requiring a stable, well-structured environment.
• Minimum tank size: 40L+ (75L+ recommended for pairs or shrimp-goby partnerships)
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate (gentle currents preferred)
• Filtration: Good-quality filtration and regular water changes are essential for maintaining excellent water quality.
A fine sand bed (2+ inches deep) with scattered rubble is essential for them to construct and maintain burrows.
⚠ A tight-fitting lid is mandatory, as Yasha Gobies are incredibly prone to jumping when startled.
Diet and Feeding
Yasha Gobies are carnivorous and require a varied diet rich in protein.
Recommended foods include:
• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp – Their primary diet in captivity.
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes – Enriched formulas work best.
• Finely chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, or fish) – Occasional treats.
• Live foods (copepods, amphipods, or blackworms) – Encourages natural feeding behavior.
Feed once or twice daily, ensuring that food reaches them near their burrow, as they prefer to stay close to their territory rather than chase food in open water.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Yasha Gobies are extremely peaceful, making them great for:
✔ Pistol Shrimp, particularly Randall’s Pistol Shrimp (Alpheus randalli), forming a natural symbiotic partnership.
✔ Small, peaceful reef fish, such as Clownfish, Firefish, Blennies, and Fairy Wrasses.
✔ Reef-safe invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and crabs.
Avoid housing with:
❌ Larger, aggressive fish (e.g., Triggerfish, aggressive Dottybacks, large Wrasses) that may harass or eat them.
❌ Other sand-dwelling gobies, unless in a large enough tank.
❌ Fast-feeding fish, as Yasha Gobies may struggle to compete for food.
If keeping a pair or small group, introduce them at the same time to minimize territorial disputes.
Symbiotic Relationship with Pistol Shrimp
Yasha Gobies naturally pair with pistol shrimp, forming one of the most fascinating interactions in reef aquariums.
• The shrimp digs and maintains a burrow, offering a safe hiding place.
• The goby stands guard at the entrance, using its excellent eyesight to watch for threats.
• If danger is detected, the goby flicks its dorsal fin, signaling the shrimp to retreat.
• Over time, they form a strong bond, rarely leaving each other’s side.
If introducing a Yasha Goby and Pistol Shrimp together, ensure the shrimp has time to establish a burrow before adding tank mates.
Health and Disease Considerations
Yasha Gobies are delicate when first introduced but become hardy once established. However, they can be prone to:
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – Often caused by stress or poor water quality.
• Bacterial infections – Usually due to injuries from jumping or aggression.
• Malnutrition – Ensure they receive a protein-rich diet with small, frequent feedings.
To keep them healthy:
✔ Provide a varied diet rich in protein.
✔ Ensure stable water parameters.
✔ Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Yasha Gobies can live up to 5 years in captivity. Their stunning coloration, symbiotic behavior, and peaceful nature make them a highly desirable species for reef aquariums.
Why Choose a Yasha Goby?
✔ Vibrant red-and-white striped body with a unique elongated dorsal fin – Visually striking.
✔ Forms a fascinating symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp.
✔ Hardy and adaptable once established, making them a great long-term addition.
✔ Can live in nano tanks, thriving in small or large reef systems.
✔ Completely reef-safe, with no risk to corals or invertebrates.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying a Yasha Goby:
🚫 Extremely prone to jumping – A secure lid is necessary.
🚫 Shy and reclusive when first introduced – Needs peaceful tank mates.
🚫 Best kept with a pistol shrimp, as it relies on burrows for security.