Amblyeleotris randalli (Randall’s Shrimp Goby / Orange Stripe Prawn 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: ~10 cm (4 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous (frozen mysis/brine shrimp, marine pellets, finely chopped seafood)
• Be aware of: Forms a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp. Prone to jumping, requiring a secure lid. Can be territorial toward other gobies in small tanks but is generally peaceful.
Randall’s Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris randalli) – A Stunning and Symbiotic Sand-Dweller
The Randall’s Shrimp Goby, also known as the Orange Stripe Prawn Goby, is a beautiful and peaceful marine fishthat thrives in reef tanks. Best known for its mutualistic relationship with pistol shrimp, this species brings both visual appeal and natural behavior to a home aquarium. With its bright coloration and beneficial burrowing habits, Randall’s Shrimp Goby is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a functional and fascinating sand-dwelling fish.
Appearance and Coloration
Randall’s Shrimp Goby is easily recognizable due to its elegant and eye-catching features:
• A pale white to light pink body, accented by bold orange-red horizontal stripes.
• Bright yellow markings on the head and cheeks, adding contrast.
• Transparent fins speckled with red dots, giving a delicate yet striking look.
• A long, slender body with an elongated dorsal fin, which is often raised in display.
This goby’s graceful movement and stunning coloration make it a standout species in any reef tank.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Randall’s Shrimp Goby inhabits sandy reef slopes and rubble zones, where it:
• Forms symbiotic partnerships with pistol shrimp (Alpheus randalli and other species).
• Relies on the shrimp to dig and maintain a burrow, while providing protection in return.
• Uses its excellent eyesight to detect predators, warning the shrimp with flicks of its dorsal fin.
• Is most often found in pairs or small colonies in the wild, sharing burrow systems.
In captivity, they retain their burrowing and shrimp-guarding behaviors, making them a fascinating addition to any aquarium.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Randall’s Shrimp Gobies are easy to care for, but they require a suitable environment for burrowing and hiding.
• 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 to maintain water clarity.
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 Randall’s Shrimp Gobies are known jumpers, especially when startled.
Diet and Feeding
Randall’s Shrimp Gobies are carnivorous and need a varied diet rich in protein to thrive.
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 food reaches their territory, as they prefer to stay close to their burrow rather than chase food in open water.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Randall’s Shrimp Gobies are peaceful and ideal for community reef tanks, 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:
❌ Large, aggressive fish (e.g., Triggerfish, aggressive Dottybacks, large Wrasses) that may harass or eat them.
❌ Other burrowing gobies, unless in a large enough tank with multiple burrow sites.
❌ Fast-feeding fish, as Randall’s Shrimp Gobies may struggle to compete for food.
If keeping a pair or small group, introduce them at the same time to prevent territorial disputes.
Symbiotic Relationship with Pistol Shrimp
Randall’s Shrimp Gobies naturally pair with pistol shrimp, forming a fascinating symbiotic partnership:
• 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 goby and pistol shrimp together, ensure the shrimp has time to establish a burrow before adding tank mates.
Health and Disease Considerations
Randall’s Shrimp Gobies are generally hardy, but 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, Randall’s Shrimp 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 Randall’s Shrimp Goby?
✔ Bright orange-striped body with a graceful elongated dorsal fin – Visually stunning.
✔ 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 Randall’s Shrimp 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.