Steinitz goby (Amblyeleotris steinitzi) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Steinitz' prawn goby, Cryptocentrus steinitzi
Family
Gobiidae (gobies)
Origin
Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including Japan and the Great Barrier Reef, to 43 m.
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
8 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
100 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
yes

Care

A shrimp goby that shares a burrow dug by an alpheid shrimp; the goby rests at the entrance and flicks its tail to warn the shrimp of approaching fish. The article gives up to 13 cm, larger than the list's 8 cm. Provide sand with mixed grain sizes and some rubble. Tank size here is an estimate. The sources give no water figures, so the temperature, pH and salinity shown are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4, specific gravity 1.023–1.026, with stable, well-filtered water. It is territorial towards neighbours and can move its burrow entrance away from aggressive fish. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblyeleotrissteinitzi). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Picks small invertebrates from sediment stirred up by its shrimp partner and also sifts mouthfuls of sediment. In the aquarium offer frozen mysis, brine shrimp and small pellets.

Breeding

In the breeding season it moves its burrow entrance closer to one occupied by a fish of the opposite sex. No captive spawning details are given.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe and peaceful with other species. Best with an Alpheus pistol shrimp. Keep one or a pair.

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

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