Yellow Watchman Gobies form a mutual symbiotic relationship with some Pistol Shrimp. The relationship between these two creatures is very interesting to watch and they both make good additions to many aquariums. The name "Watchman" comes from their behavior in the wild, where they act as watchmen for the shrimp.

The Yellow Watchman Goby should be given a thick layer of substrate so that it can burrow. In the wild, Pistol Shrimp, such as the nearly blind Pistol Shrimp keep the Goby's tunnels excavated so that the Goby has a hiding place when a predator approaches. The relationship is symbiotic because the Goby will signal to the shrimp when danger approaches, so that the shrimp can hide. This is particularly beneficial to the Tiger Pistol Shrimp, since this shrimp is nearly blind. The shrimp will use its antenna to keep in contact with the Yellow Watchman Goby. Many people recommend pairing a Yellow Watchman Goby with a Pistol Shrimp of the genus Alpheus. This shrimp-fish pairing can make for interesting viewing. To help your animals form such a relationship, provide a coarse sand and rubble substrate. Often, a burrow made from a PVC pipe will also help. Yellow Watchman Gobies are reef safe, and usually get along well with other fish in a fish-only community. Normally they will show territorial behavior toward other Shrimp Goby species, and you should provide plenty of space when combining them. Two Yellow Watchman Gobies usually do best if purchased as a mated pair. There should be a lid over their aquarium, as Yellow Watchman Gobies may sometimes jump out.

At maturity, Yellow Watchman Gobies reach lengths between two and three inches (five to eight centimeters). They do come in yellow and blue variations. The blue variation is darker, and is almost grayish in color. It is covered in light blue spots. The yellow variation is a light golden color marked with white or blue to white spots. Both types of Yellow Watchman Goby have elongated bodies and two dorsal fins. Their pectoral fins are the same color as their bodies.

Native to the Indo Pacific, Yellow Watchman Gobies are one of the more popular Shrimp Gobies offered in the pet trade. They are found wild in many habitats between Singapore and Micronesia.

A single Yellow Watchman Goby will do well in a covered aquarium of 20 gallons or larger. Most Yellow Watchman Gobies will thrive in temperatures between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 26 degrees Celsius) with a pH value of 8.3 or 8.4. The specific gravity should remain between 1.020 and 1.025. In a fish-only aquarium, 1.020 to 1.023 is the most acceptable range. However, in an aquarium with invertebrates, the specific gravity should measure between 1.023 and 1.025 for the health of those animals. Plenty of hiding places and a substrate of mixed sand and gravel or rubble should be provided. Yellow Watchman Gobies normally get along well with invertebrates and other fish. They may be territorial toward other Shrimp Gobies. Yellow Watchman Gobies may be kept on a diet of brine shrimp, large shrimp chopped into bits, and other meaty foods.

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