Cryptocentrus fasciatus

Datasheet

General Description:

The Y-bar shrimp goby, scientifically known as Cryptocentrus fasciatus, belongs to the Gobiidae family, specifically the Cryptocentrus genus. These fish are native to the Indo-West Pacific region, spanning from East Africa to Melanesia and the Great Barrier Reef. They have an average hardiness level and can grow up to approximately 14.0cm in size.

Aquarium Suitability:

Considered suitable for aquariums, the Y-bar shrimp goby requires a minimum tank size of 150 liters to thrive adequately. Their shy and docile nature deems them vulnerable to more aggressive tankmates, necessitating caution when selecting companions for them. Additionally, due to their territorial behavior, these fish are known to be aggressive towards similar species, emphasizing the need for careful aquarium planning.

Demands:

Suitable for aquariums with appropriate care, these shrimp gobies are generally shy and docile inhabitants that prefer sand substrates allowing them to burrow. The tank setup should include sandy, coral pieces, shells, and small broken shell fragments to facilitate their natural behavior of digging holes. They are also symbiotic with Pistol shrimps of the Alpheus genus, requiring compatible tank mates for their symbiotic relationship.

Care and Hardiness:

The Y-bar shrimp goby requires a well-maintained aquarium environment with stable water conditions. They thrive in a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH levels between 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12. Being frequent feeders, they need multiple feedings per day, especially upon introduction to a new tank environment.

Reef Suitability:

Known to be reef safe, the Y-bar shrimp goby is a suitable addition to reef aquariums. Their compatibility with reef setups makes them a desirable choice for aquarists looking to incorporate them into coral ecosystems without causing harm or disruption.

Aquarium Setup:

When setting up the aquarium for Y-bar shrimp gobies, it is essential to provide a sandy substrate with materials for burrowing. Creating spaces with rocks for them to create hiding spots and cooperating with Pistol shrimps is recommended to ensure a natural and symbiotic environment for these fish.

Behaviour:

Y-bar shrimp gobies are territorial and can exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fishes encroaching on their space. Their symbiotic relationship with Pistol shrimps contributes to their behavior, as the shrimp helps maintain their shared habitat while the goby acts as a lookout for potential threats.

Feeding and Diet:

The recommended diet for Y-bar shrimp gobies includes small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia. They are known to be frequent feeders and require multiple meals throughout the day to meet their nutritional needs adequately.

Habitat and Distribution:

In the wild, these fish are found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, The Red Sea, Indonesia, and the Central/West Pacific regions. Their natural habitat ranges from East Africa to Melanesia and the Great Barrier Reef, where they inhabit sandy substrates close to the bottom, displaying their distinctive burrowing behavior.