Care
The Bluespot Goby is known from the silty, muddy, and rubbly bottoms of lagoons and outer reefs, to a depth of 15m (49ft). As with other members of the same genus, this goby forms a symbiotic partnership with an almost blind alpheid shrimp; together they share the safety of a burrow which the shrimp digs/maintains, and the goby keeps watch for predators. Whilst the shrimp is working, it maintains antennal contact with its goby partner posted at the entrance of the shared burrow. If the shrimp detects the quivering motion of the goby"™s caudal fin during an unusual situation, it reacts by immediately withdrawing into the depths of the burrow. The entrance to the shared burrow will be closed at night, and only one entrance is usually open at any one time. The shrimp will only emerge from the burrow whilst it can have tactile contact with the goby. Provided with a reasonable depth of coral sand and a good selection of loose coral rubble pieces that vary in size (not too big to be moved) these gobies can do very well in the home aquarium. The goby will survive without its shrimp partner, but if they can be acquired together, they will make such a fascinating display, captivating the observer for hours on end. Your dealer may be able to acquire the two together, it is certainly worth asking. The Bluespot Goby is a territorial species, and larger specimens will think nothing of attacking other gobies and even smaller, unrelated species such as wrasses and assessors. However, it is much less likely to be antagonistic if housed in spacious aquaria with plenty of visual barriers (although do remember to include large, open expanses of substrate), and where it is one of the last fishes added to the tank. Hostility normally initially takes the form of jaw gaping, fin flaring, and sideways shoving, but if it is allowed to escalate, real damage may ensue if the goby takes a bite at its adversary, so do observe very carefully. It is best to keep only one specimen per tank unless you can acquire a mated male-female pair, as conspecifics will fight. These gobies are considered reef safe as they will not harm sessile invertebrates, but be aware that they will predate on small, ornamental shrimps and small bristleworms. Ensure that the tank has tight fitting coverslides, as these gobies are accomplished jumpers. May also be seen on sale as Bluespotted Shrimp Goby.
Feeding
Will consume a wide range of meaty fare including Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped krill/prawns etc. If reluctant to feed at first, use a turkey baster to direct some food lower down in the tank to where the goby may be hiding in its burrow. Feed small amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. However, other members of the same genus are being bred on a commercial basis, so this species would make an excellent breeding project for the serious hobbyist.
