Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Randall's Shrimp Goby
Amblyeleotris randalli
Also called Randall's prawn goby, Randall's goby, Randalli shrimpgoby, Orange-striped prawn goby
From Western Pacific, from the Moluccas to the Solomon Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the northern Great Barrier Reef, also Palau; in rubble caves on patches of coarse carbonate sand, usually 25 to 50 m deep12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Elongated shrimp goby
A slim, cylindrical goby with a white body crossed by fine orange to yellow bands and peppered with tiny white dots. It has big, round eyes, a wide mouth, and a tall front dorsal fin marked with a black and white eyespot that shows when the fin is raised.2
Personality what they are like
Peaceful toward most fish, but it defends its burrow and hiding spots from other bottom dwellers.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Hovers or perches at its burrow entrance, keeping watch while its shrimp partner digs, and retreats inside at any sign of danger.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Moderate care. Keep a closed lid since it can jump, provide moderate water flow and plenty of rockwork and hiding places so it feels secure.3
Home where they are happiest
A marine aquarium from about 75 litres (20 US gallons) with a deep sand bed for burrowing, rubble and live rock. Suggested water: 22 to 26 C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, specific gravity 1.023 to 1.025. Generally reef safe, though very small ornamental shrimps may be eaten.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A carnivore that grabs small crustaceans and fish passing its burrow. In the aquarium feed frozen or live mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp once or twice a day.23
Company who they like around
Shares a burrow with an Alpheus pistol shrimp in the wild and can be paired with one in the aquarium. Keep one goby per burrow area.123
The story where it all began
The species was named for John E. Randall of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, the ichthyologist who first drew the describers' attention to it. It lives fairly deep on western Pacific reefs and reaches the aquarium trade as a showpiece shrimp goby.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
In the wild it shares its home with a burrowing prawn, usually Alpheus ochrostriatus: the shrimp digs and the goby keeps lookout.2
- 2
When it flicks up its first dorsal fin it reveals a black and white eyespot.2
- 3
It usually lives deeper than many shrimp gobies, typically between 25 and 50 m.1
- 4
Its main home is rubble caves on patches of coarse shell sand in clear reef water.1
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 26 August 2020)1
- Naming
- Named in honour of the ichthyologist John E. Randall of the Bishop Museum, Honolulu2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Randall's Shrimp Goby. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Randall's Shrimp Goby?
Feed your Randall's Shrimp Goby once or twice a day with small amounts. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding daily small portions. Stick to frozen or live mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp for a healthy diet.23 Furry Diary plan
What does a Randall's Shrimp Goby eat, and what should it never eat?
This carnivore loves frozen or live mysis and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp. It should never be fed large or dry foods that could cause digestive issues. Always offer meaty foods appropriate for its small mouth.23
How much space does a Randall's Shrimp Goby need?
A marine aquarium of at least 75 litres (20 US gallons) is recommended. Provide a deep sand bed for burrowing, plus rubble and live rock to create hiding spots. This gives your goby the secure home it needs.3
What temperature, light or water does a Randall's Shrimp Goby need?
Keep water temperature between 22 and 26 degrees C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, and specific gravity 1.023 to 1.025. Furry Diary's plan includes daily temperature checks and weekly salinity tests. Use moderate water flow and a closed lid to prevent jumping.3 Furry Diary plan
How often should I clean a Randall's Shrimp Goby's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests cleaning the glass weekly and performing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Test water weekly and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Regular maintenance keeps your goby healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Randall's Shrimp Goby live with others?
Yes, it is peaceful toward most fish but will defend its burrow from other bottom dwellers. It can be paired with an Alpheus pistol shrimp, which shares its burrow. Keep only one goby per burrow area to avoid conflict.123
How long does a Randall's Shrimp Goby live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific longevity information, consult a knowledgeable breeder or an exotic-pet veterinarian. With proper care, these charming fish can thrive for several years.
Can I handle a Randall's Shrimp Goby?
Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish and damage its delicate body. Use a net only when necessary for moving or health checks. Always ask a vet or experienced aquarist for safe handling advice.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Amblyeleotris randalli fishbase.seused for range, size, depth, habitat, shrimp partner, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Amblyeleotris randalli en.wikipedia.orgused for name origin, description, shrimp symbiosis, diet
- Saltwaterfish.com: Randalli Shrimpgoby saltwaterfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, diet
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.