Yellow Rose Goby

Yellow Rose Goby (Stonogobiops nematodes): Also commonly known as the Hi Fin Red Banded Goby, Blackray Shrimpgoby or Nematode Goby: 1. Appearance & Coloration Coloration: They feature a translucent whitish body marked by two striking diagonal dark-brown or black bands running across the body, a bright yellow head and snout, and a dark saddle patch near the caudal fin. Morphology: Their most prominent feature is an exceptionally long, filamentous first dorsal fin spine that streams upward like a thread or antenna, giving them a distinct and elegant silhouette. Size: They grow to a small adult size of about 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6 cm). 2. Native Origin & Habitat Geography: They are native to the Indo-West Pacific region, including Indonesia, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. Environment: Found in deep lagoon sand flats and outer reef slopes where they live in symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp (Alpheus species) in burrows dug into the sand. 3. Tank Requirements Minimum Tank Size: Requires an aquarium of at least 30 gallons to provide stable water parameters and adequate space for their symbiotic relationship. Water Parameters: Temperature: 72°F – 78°F (22°C – 26°C) Salinity (Specific Gravity): 1.020 – 1.025 pH: 8.1 – 8.4 Sand Bed & Rockwork: A deep sand bed (at least 2 to 3 inches) and stable live rock formations are essential so they can burrow and construct a home, ideally paired with a compatible pistol shrimp (such as the Candy Cane or Tiger Pistol Shrimp). Tank Cover: A secure lid or screen top is recommended, as gobies can occasionally jump if startled. 4. Diet & Feeding Natural Diet: Zooplankton and microcrustaceans suspended in the water column, often brought back to the burrow by their symbiotic pistol shrimp partner. Captive Diet: Readily accepts standard aquarium fare. Offer a varied carnivorous diet consisting of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and high-quality small pellets or flakes. 5. Reef Compatibility Status: Reef Safe Behavior: Completely safe with corals, clams, anemones, and all sessile invertebrates. They will not disturb or harm the reef aquascape. 6. Temperament & Tank Mates Temperament: Exceptionally peaceful, shy, and docile. They spend most of their time hovering near the entrance of their burrow or interacting with their shrimp partner. Compatibility: Excellent community fish for peaceful setups. They pair wonderfully with docile tank mates such as dartfish, small blennies, fairy wrasses, and peaceful gobies. Avoid keeping them with aggressive, boisterous, or predatory fish that will intimidate them and keep them permanently hidden.