two pairs of gobies & pistols

240-Reefer · #1 01/27/2006, 10:06 AM

I have 240 and I am looking into getting two pairs of gobies & pistols.
Do you think I may have territorial issues with pairs like
that. do You think i may also find the dominate gobie takes both pistols. should I get just one pair or none at all
those with these pairs please chime in on your experience with these pairs. Thanks for the help

Reef'in Colorado · #2 01/27/2006, 10:57 AM

I tried to keep 2 shrimp gobies in a 135g. Both were added at the same time. 1 dominated the other, leading to one jumping. I did not have shrimp with them, so I can't comment on that. But I don't think that 2 pistols would hang out together in the same burrow unless they were a mated pair.

acrocrazy · #3 01/27/2006, 11:00 AM

if you have alot of rock and other hiding places you should be fine

240-Reefer · #4 01/27/2006, 04:59 PM

JeremyT · #5 01/27/2006, 09:08 PM

You definitely can keep more than one shrimp goby/ snapping shrimp pair in a 240. The real issue is what species of shrimp goby you want. There are three genera. They are Amblyeleotris, Cryptocentrus, and Stonogobiops. If you want more than a pair it would be safe to stay away from Cryptocentrus gobies. They tend to bully other bottom dwelling fish. On the other hand Stonogobiops can be reclusive, at least at first; and they probably shouldn't be kept with aggressive or bigger fishes. If you looked up some fish vendors and looked for the genera I listed, you could find the species you like and plan accordingly.
It might take a little bit of searching and studying, but if done right you can keep mutiple shrimp gobies in the same aquarium{ especially with a 240g}.
Here are some hints: Larger snapping shrimp build bigger burrows thereby attracting bigger shrimp gobies.
You can make artificial burrows for your shrimp and gobies with PVC. Drill holes in the pipe so that your sand can get through and let your shrimp do its job.{remember that the bigger the burrow-or PVC- in diameter the bigger the goby it attracts}
Shrimp gobies are picky about which snapping shrimp that they associate with, even though they have been known to associate with shrimp in captivity that they woudn't pair with in the wild.
Good Luck!!

JeremyT · #6 01/27/2006, 09:12 PM

Also, dartfishes can and will share a burrow with shrimpgobies and their shrimp. And the artificial burrows will work for other fish that like to refuge in burrow or small holes.

240-Reefer · #7 01/28/2006, 08:23 AM

Thanks Geremy
Great Info