Steinitz Prawn Goby

Steinitz Prawn Goby

Amblyeleotris steinitzi

The Steinitz Prawn Goby, also known as the Steinitz Shrimp Goby, is a peaceful and interesting marine goby that makes a great addition to established reef aquariums. This species is known for its attractive banded pattern and its natural partnership with pistol shrimp, where the shrimp builds and maintains a burrow while the goby acts as a lookout.

This goby is ideal for reef keepers wanting a bottom-dwelling fish with natural behaviour and plenty of personality.

Care Level

Easy to moderate

Temperament

Peaceful to mildly territorial
May become territorial around its burrow, especially towards similar gobies.

Reef Safe

Yes — generally safe with corals and most invertebrates. It may disturb sand around its burrow.

Tank Size

Recommended from 100 litres+ with a sandbed, rockwork, and stable marine water conditions. Steinitz Prawn Gobies can reach around 13 cm.

Diet

Carnivore. Feed a varied marine diet including:

• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Finely chopped seafood
• Marine carnivore pellets
• Small meaty frozen foods

Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily. They may also pick small food particles from the sand and around their burrow.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 24–27°C
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: Keep low and stable

Aquarium Setup

Provide a sandbed for burrowing, along with rockwork and rubble pieces. A secure lid is strongly recommended, as gobies can jump from open aquariums.

Pistol Shrimp Pairing

This species may pair with a suitable pistol shrimp, creating a natural symbiotic relationship. The shrimp maintains the burrow, while the goby watches for danger.

Compatibility

Suitable for peaceful reef aquariums with calm to moderately active tank mates.

Good tank mates may include:

• Clownfish
• Firefish
• Small wrasses
• Blennies
• Peaceful dwarf angels
• Other peaceful reef-safe fish

Avoid keeping with very aggressive fish or multiple similar gobies in smaller tanks, as territorial disputes may occur.

Notes

The Steinitz Prawn Goby is a hardy and fascinating reef fish, especially when kept with a compatible pistol shrimp. It does best in a mature aquarium with a sandbed, stable water quality, and plenty of safe hiding spots.

Please note: Livestock appearance may vary slightly due to size, lighting, stress level, and individual colouration. Marine fish should only be added to a properly cycled saltwater aquarium.