Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Flaming Prawn Goby, also referred to as the Griessingeri Goby or Spikefin Goby, are found inhabiting shallow reefs in the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific. Here, they are found among crevices and other sheltered spots living a rather cryptic lifestyle. This specific niche in the wild may make the Flaming prawn goby difficult to collect, as it is infrequently encountered within the aquarium trade making it a somewhat rare, expensive and a desirable addition for the nano fish enthusiast. Despite its very small adult size of 1″, the Flaming prawn goby packs a punch with its incredible coloration and unique appearance. However, keep in mind that their cryptic nature in the wild will also translate into the home aquarium; a Flaming prawn goby may be seldomly seen during the day. The Flaming prawn goby is extremely peaceful, making them great candidates for nano aquariums and community reef tanks, but their extremely small size and dietary requirements should be kept in mind when considering one.

Diet Requirements: Flaming prawn gobies are primarily carnivores, feeding on small organisms suspended in the water column and from the live rock. A diet largely consisting of high quality, vitamin enriched frozen preparations is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, calanus, cyclopeeze and rotifers. Frozen food mixes that include algae such as Spirulina and Chlorella are desired. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements. This species would benefit from feedings twice a day, however introducing a Flaming prawn goby into an aquarium with a healthy “pod” population is vital to the success of this fish.

Care Requirements: A very established minimum 10 to 15 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a Flaming prawn goby, but they can thrive in larger aquariums of up to 20 gallons. This species should not be introduced into a biologically immature aquarium as they are intolerable of swinging water parameters, ammonia, or nitrite. Frequent, small water changes are necessary to keep nitrate levels < 20 ppm. Flaming prawn gobies require a variety of rock work, caves and crevices to scoot around on and take refuge if needed. Do not house a Flaming prawn goby with aggressive and pugnacious tank mates, or fish that could try and eat them. Gobies of this size can also sometimes fall victim to reef lobsters and larger pistol shrimp species. A Flaming prawn goby would feel most at home in a reef aquarium, and they will not harm any invertebrate or coral. Avoid other tank mates that exploit the bottom of the aquarium as the Flaming prawn goby would or tank mates that would also eat the pods needed to help sustain this species. A Flaming prawn goby would do excellent in a seahorse set-up. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1/2″ to 1″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.