Flaming Prawn Goby

Flaming Prawn Goby (Discordipinna griessingeri) The Flaming Prawn Goby is one of the smallest, most cryptic, and most visually striking nano gobies in the hobby. Despite its intense coloration and dramatic spike‑fin, it is extremely shy, requires mature rockwork with micro‑crevices, and is best suited for quiet nano reefs. It is fully reef‑safe, peaceful, and rarely seen except during feeding. 🐠 Identity & Appearance Common names: Flaming Prawn Goby, Spikefin Goby, Griessinger Goby. Scientific name: Discordipinna griessingeri. Adult size: ~1 inch (2.5–3 cm). Coloration: White base body with orange‑red belly stripe. Polka‑dotted head (dark reddish‑brown spots). Long, pointed orange dorsal fin with black spotting. Extended pectoral fin rays forming a fan‑like display. 🌍 Natural Habitat & Behavior Range: Red Sea → Indian Ocean → Western Pacific (to the Marquesas). Depth: Shallow reefs down to ~150 ft. Behavior: Extremely cryptic; hides in tiny crevices within rubble and coral. Rarely seen in the wild due to its size and secretive nature. Bottom‑dweller that darts out briefly to feed. Not a pistol‑shrimp symbiont despite the common name. 🧪 Aquarium Requirements Minimum tank: 10 gallons. Aquascape: Dense rockwork, caves, cracks, rubble pockets. Soft sand substrate preferred. Lighting: Subdued or moderate; bright light increases hiding. Flow: Gentle to moderate; avoid strong direct flow. Reef safety: Fully reef‑safe; ignores corals and inverts. Jumping: Known jumper — tight lid required. 🍤 Diet & Feeding Type: Carnivore. Foods: Frozen mysis, enriched brine, finely chopped seafood, small marine pellets. Feeding behavior: May require target feeding near its crevice. Slow, cautious feeder; easily outcompeted. Frequency: 1–2 small feedings daily. 🧬 Social Structure & Compatibility Temperament: Peaceful, shy. Best kept: Single specimen or pair; does not form groups. Tankmates: Small, peaceful reef fish (cardinals, firefish, gentle gobies). Avoid wrasses, hawkfish, dottybacks, triggers, or any aggressive bottom‑dwellers. 🩺 Hardiness & Acclimation Difficulty: Moderate. Challenges: Very shy; may remain hidden for days or weeks. Sensitive to rapid salinity/temperature changes. Requires mature, stable systems with excellent water quality. Quarantine: 2–4 weeks recommended; monitor appetite and respiration.