2 goby and 2 shrimp combo

[Brainrad22]

I just got into the hobby and have been fascinated by the watchman goby pistol shrimp combo. I ended up Purchasing a juvenile watchman goby and shrimp that paired up immediately.

I also saw a yasha goby which I decided to buy. They hung out in the same cave for about a day. Then split up. I’m trying to decide if I should add another shrimp so each has a chance to pair up with their own shrimp. Has anyone successfully gotten 2 pairs together? Any chance that all 3 will end up teaming up? They currently occupy separate caves on opposite sides of the tank. I don’t think they can even see each other

My tank is a 40 G cube. I have 2 adolescent clown fish, 1 yellow clown goby, Royal gramma and a 6 line wrasse in addition to the 2 gobies. I think I’m nearing the upper limit of fish.

 

[Tahoe61]

Best laid plans and all. Unfortunately there's no guarantee the Goby will choose to reside with a new shrimp, and there's no guarantee the established shrimp will tolerate a second shrimp. I would leave well enough alone.
If you do try it please be sure and document it.

 

[Brainrad22]

Came home today and seemed like the yasha and watchman goby were both guarding the shrimp and cave. Seems like this is a good thing. Hopefully they will team up! I’ll keep you all updated

 

[saltwaterfish.com Verified Sponsor]

That's so cool!

 

[Abominable Snow Crab]

I would definitely like updates

 

[martin.a]

Came home today and seemed like the yasha and watchman goby were both guarding the shrimp and cave. Seems like this is a good thing. Hopefully they will team up! I’ll keep you all updated

It's rather unusual partnership. I don't recall seeing 2 gobys of different species sharing the same burrow. It might be stress response during settling and may not last. But, who knows. It's very cute!

2 Shrimp Gobies in one tank are probably easier than two pistol shrimps. I would still seriously consider introduction of a second shrimp in case the gobies split. But it would be risky. Especially that you have a cube and it limits the max. distance between the burrows. There is no rule, of course, but I would prefer to have about 1 m long tank for 2 pistols. But, sex your shrimp, and get the second one of the opposite sex. You may end up with a pair of shrimps living together with two gobies. But this is a long shot.

 

[Brainrad22]

It's rather unusual partnership. I don't recall seeing 2 gobys of different species sharing the same burrow. It might be stress response during settling and may not last. But, who knows. It's very cute!

2 Shrimp Gobies in one tank are probably easier than two pistol shrimps. I would still seriously consider introduction of a second shrimp in case the gobies split. But it would be risky. Especially that you have a cube and it limits the max. distance between the burrows. There is no rule, of course, but I would prefer to have about 1 m long tank for 2 pistols. But, sex your shrimp, and get the second one of the opposite sex. You may end up with a pair of shrimps living together with two gobies. But this is a long shot.

I’ll keep an eye on it and see. Seems like the watchman is a little further out than he’s been. But both are definitely going into the same hole. I hope it works because I can’t decide which fish I like more!

If they split again I may try it

 

[martin.a]

I’ll keep an eye on it and see. Seems like the watchman is a little further out than he’s been. But both are definitely going into the same hole. I hope it works because I can’t decide which fish I like more!

If they split again I may try it

Such a sweet couple
Remember that the gobies and the shrimp can happily live by themselves. Of course, I admit that the mutualism is what is most intriguing.

 

[Abominable Snow Crab]

Ive seen pictures online of two different goby species sharing a shrimp, so I know its possible. Long term is the real question.