More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 50 litres / 13.21 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 8.0cm / 3.15inches |
| Reef Compatible | Always reef safe |
| Temperament | Mostly peaceful but might be aggressive towards similar species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Flagfin prawn goby, scientifically known as Mahidolia mystacina, is part of the Gobiidae family and hails from the East African waters down to Delagoa Bay, Mozambique, extending east towards the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to northern Australia and Samoa in the Indo-Pacific region. These small fish are recognizable by their colorful fin markings and are commonly referred to as Smiling goby, Flagfin prawn goby, or Flagfin shrimpgoby.
Aquarium Suitability
Considered suitable for aquariums, the Flagfin prawn goby is generally hardy and well-suited for captivity. They can coexist as a pair if introduced simultaneously, but it's important to provide a tank larger than 50 liters, equipped with a substrate that allows for burrowing, and regular feeding multiple times a day.
Demands, Care, and Hardiness
Maintaining the water conditions within a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a temperature between 22.2-25.6°C, these gobies are known to be hardy. Being mostly peaceful, they may exhibit aggression towards similar species, necessitating a watchful eye when introducing them to the tank.
Reef Suitability
Flagfin prawn gobies are deemed reef-safe, making them a great addition to reef aquariums without the risk of them harming corals or other reef inhabitants.
Aquarium Setup
When setting up a tank for Flagfin prawn gobies, it is crucial to provide a substrate that enables burrowing. A mixture of sand, coral fragments, shells, and broken shell pieces works well, allowing the fish to excavate holes for shelter. Rocks can also be strategically placed to facilitate hole creation, ensuring stability. Adequate space should be provided for them to burrow comfortably, at least 1.5 inches longer than their body length to prevent stress.
Behaviour
Typically displaying a peaceful temperament, Flagfin prawn gobies can exhibit territorial behavior towards similar species. They are known to form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimps, where the shrimp creates and maintains a burrow while the goby acts as a lookout for predators.
Feeding and Diet
In terms of diet, these gobies thrive on small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. Feeding them several times a day, especially upon introduction to the tank, is crucial for their health and well-being.
Dimorphism
The Flagfin prawn goby showcases multiple color variations, posing a challenge in identification due to the range of hues they can exhibit in different specimens. They have been observed to reproduce in captivity, under suitable conditions.
Habitat and Distribution
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Flagfin prawn gobies can be found in East Africa, ranging from Mozambique to the Society Islands, and from southern Japan to northern Australia and Samoa. Preferring sandy bottoms with access to sufficient burrowing opportunities, these gobies thrive in tropical marine environments.