Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus)

Cryptocentrus cinctus, the Yellow Watchman Goby, is one of the most popular and recognisable marine gobies — a bright yellow body speckled with iridescent blue spots and a characteristically grumpy, wide-mouthed expression that gives it irresistible personality. It readily forms the classic pistol shrimp symbiosis with Tiger Pistol Shrimp in the home aquarium, providing one of the most entertaining and natural behavioural displays in the hobby. Hardy and long-lived, it is an excellent choice for the beginner marine keeper.

Provide a minimum 80 L reef tank with a 5–7 cm deep fine sand bed for burrow construction. Pair with a Tiger Pistol Shrimp for natural symbiosis. Feed frozen mysis, copepods, and small meaty pellets twice daily. Maintain temperature 24–28°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Ensure a tight-fitting lid — gobies are persistent jumpers. Keep only one per tank unless in a confirmed mated pair. Reef safe and compatible with most peaceful community fish.