Care
The Hi-fin Clown Goby is known from outer reef slopes at depths between 15-40m (49-131ft). These fish are usually observed in pairs, hovering just a few centimetres above the sandy/rubbly substrate at the entrance to their burrow, which they share with an alpheid (pistol) shrimp. Hi-fin Clown Gobies are very passive and make a great addition to peaceful reef aquaria. They are best kept in a compatible male-female pair (your supplier may be able to source you a mated pair) but be sure not to simply place two individuals together from different sources, as if it turns out that they are both males, they will fight - especially in smaller aquaria. The tank should be furnished with plenty of live rock and a reasonable depth of sandy substrate (~10cm/4"), with a good selection of small rubble pieces that vary in size (not too big to be moved), from which a burrow can be created. Tankmates should be small and peaceful, as pugnacious species will intimidate these diminutive bottom dwellers and prevent them from feeding. 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, hastily followed by the goby. 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. A shrimp partner is not strictly necessary, but if they can be acquired together, they will make such a fascinating display, captivating the observer for hours on end. The usual shrimp that partners the Hi-fin Clown Goby is the Red and White Barred Shrimp Alpheus randalli. Your dealer may be able to acquire the two together, it is certainly worth asking. Ensure that the tank has tight fitting coverslides as Hi-fin Clown Gobies have been know n to jump from open-topped aquaria. For many years, this highly sought-after fish was known simply as "Stonogobiops sp." until its formal description in 2001. The latin name "yasha" is in reference to a traditional Japanese female devil; alluding to the large prevomerine teeth of this goby. May also be seen on sale as the White-Ray 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
Hi-fin Clown Gobies have spawned in the home aquarium, but there are no reports of successfully rearing the larvae past settlement. Just prior to spawning, the belly of the female fish will become noticeably swollen when full of eggs. Spawning occurs inside the cave or under a rock, where an egg mass will be deposited/fertilised. The eggs should hatch within 5-6 days (temperature dependent) and it is believed that the larvae take around a month to undergo metamorphosis.
