shrimp/goby pair

[Curve50880]

Should the pistol shrimp and the goby be introduced to the tank at the same time to increase the chance that they form a symbiotic relationship? Also what goby do you guys recommend for a 20 gallon tank? Thanks in advance

[Sk8r]

I'd suggest [if you don't have a small intake] a pair of highfin redstripes and a candy cane shrimp if you can find them. they're very small, very low impact on the tank. The yellow watchman is another possibility, but at 4" length and half inch diameter he's twice the size of the highfins, and the tiger pistol he goes with is large. He is an efficient sandsifter for a 20, and will readily eat other foods. But he is cranky. Never [rarely] bites, just threatens.

As for goby and shrimp finding each other---NO problem. The shrimp will signal, and they'll make contact the minute the fish hears the click.

[Kigs]

Also be sure to research which gobies form symbiotic relationship with which shrimps. Not all are compatible with each other.

[seapug]

It's a good idea to introduce them together but mine found each other and shacked-up overnight. Sk8r had good suggestions. Also, the latest issue of Coral Magazine has a main feature all about Shrimp/Goby combos. Great article.

[jimlas]

We had the yellow watchman for quite some time in our 150. Then we bought a yellow pistol shrimp and they did find each other. Now, wherever the shrimp goes the gobie follows. It is a lot of fun to watch them.