Yellow Watchman Goby care

Cryptocentrus cinctus · Saltwater · Beginner level care

A hardy, funny goby that digs and often shares a burrow with a pistol shrimp.

Smallest tank30 gallons

Adult size4 inches

Temperature75 to 80°F

pH8.1 to 8.4

GroupFine on its own

TemperamentPeaceful

SwimsBottom of the tank

Lives5 to 8 years

Watch for: They jump and dig, so use a tight lid and a sand bed with rock cover.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine pellets.

Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.

Fish that pass every check with Yellow Watchman Goby in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Maroon Clownfish: Maroon Clownfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Yellow Watchman Goby.
Blue Devil Damselfish: Blue Devil Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Yellow Watchman Goby.
Domino Damselfish: Domino Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Yellow Watchman Goby.
Orchid Dottyback: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Yellow Watchman Goby.

What size tank does a Yellow Watchman Goby need?

At least 30 gallons. Adults grow to about 4 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Yellow Watchman Goby like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Yellow Watchman Goby should I keep together?

One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.

What do Yellow Watchman Goby eat?

Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.