Amblyeleotris periophthalma

Datasheet

General Description

The Amblyeleotris periophthalma, commonly known as the Periophthalma prawn goby or Broad-banded shrimpgoby, belongs to the Gobiidae family. These fish form a symbiotic relationship with Snapping Shrimps of the Alpheus ochrostriatus species. They are native to the Indo-West Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to Tonga, north to Japan, and south to Australia. Broad-banded shrimpgobies are hardy creatures that prefer living close to the bottom of the aquarium.

Aquarium Suitability

With proper care and suitable tank conditions, Periophthalma prawn gobies are suitable for aquariums. These fish have specific demands and are known to be territorial and aggressive towards other fish species that encroach upon their territory. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with ample space to establish their own domain within the aquarium.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

These gobies are hardy fish that require frequent feeding, especially when newly introduced to the tank. They thrive in aquariums with substrates that allow them to burrow, such as sand, coral pieces, and small shells. To mimic their natural habitat, it is advisable to provide them with rocks to create secure holes for shelter and territory establishment. Additionally, maintaining space to accommodate their digging behavior is crucial for their well-being.

Reef Suitability

Periophthalma prawn gobies are considered reef-safe, making them compatible with reef aquarium setups. Their symbiotic relationship with Pistol shrimps of the Alpheus genus adds to the biodiversity and dynamics of a reef tank. However, caution should be exercised when introducing them to a reef environment to ensure they have ample space and resources for burrowing and territorial behavior.

Aquarium Setup

Creating an ideal aquarium setup for Periophthalma prawn gobies involves providing a tank with a minimum size of 100 liters. The substrate should be structured to accommodate their burrowing habits, and incorporating rocks for shelter and territory building is recommended. Maintaining stable water conditions with a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH levels of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity between 1.020-1.025 is essential for their overall well-being.

Behaviour

These fish exhibit territorial behavior and should be provided with adequate space to establish their territories within the aquarium. They are known to be aggressive towards similar fish species that venture into their designated areas. Observing their interactions with other tank mates and ensuring each fish has ample space can help mitigate potential conflicts.

Feeding and Diet

Periophthalma prawn gobies have a diet that primarily consists of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. They require multiple feedings throughout the day, especially if their natural food sources are not readily available in the aquarium. Ensuring a varied diet that meets their nutritional needs is crucial for their health and vitality.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, these gobies are found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific. They inhabit sandy substrates close to the ocean floor, forming symbiotic relationships with Pistol shrimps to create burrows for shelter and protection. Mimicking this environment in the aquarium setup can enhance the well-being and natural behaviors of the Periophthalma prawn gobies.