Hi fin red banded goby (Stonogobiops nematodes) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
High-fin red-banded goby, Filament-finned prawn-goby, Antenna goby, Barber-pole goby, Black-ray goby
Family
Gobiidae (gobies)
Origin
Indian Ocean and western Pacific, from the Seychelles to the Philippines and Bali, on sand near reefs at 15–25 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
5 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.020–1.025
Minimum tank
40 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

A shrimp goby that shares a burrow with Randall's pistol shrimp (Alpheus randalli): the goby stands guard and flicks its tail to warn the shrimp, both darting inside if danger comes close. The article suggests a minimum of about 40 litres, with fine sand mixed with coarser grains at least 10 cm deep and plenty of rock cover. Water figures from the article: 22–26 °C (up to 27 °C tolerated), pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.020–1.025. It is shy and gentle, hovering above its burrow to feed. It may gape at tankmates as a display but usually backs off. Males may fight in tanks smaller than about 190 litres. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonogobiopsnematodes). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Feeds mainly on zooplankton in the wild. In the aquarium it takes small meaty foods such as mysis and brine shrimp, flake food, algae wafers and spirulina, and shares food with its shrimp partner.

Breeding

Females lay eggs inside the burrow shared with a male and the shrimp. The article notes that mated pairs are rarely seen in aquaria.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe and peaceful. Best with a pistol shrimp partner and calm tankmates; boisterous fish keep it hidden. Keep one or a mated pair.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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