Shrimpgoby Advice?

[Sharkbait19]

Hi everyone,

I’ve had an Aurora goby in my tank that’s been doing well and all, but barely has a presence in the tank. I have a few questions regarding its behavior, and am hoping that people who have had an Aurora goby or any shrimp goby can offer some experience and tips.

First of all, I barely see it. I can only observe it from 10 feet away, and if I inch any closer, or give my tank a funny look, the goby darts away. It almost seems like a waste of fish space, because if I wasn’t the one who put it in there, I wouldn’t even know I had a goby in the tank. How can I get the fish acclimated to my presence? Will it always be extremely skittish, because it’s been this way for a few months, and I’d like to get it to trust me at least a little.

Secondly, the reason I bought a goby to begin with was to pair with my shrimp. I think I saw them on the same half of the tank once, but other than that, they have no clue of each other’s presence. How long in a 13.5 gallon tank should it take for them to pair? Will they pair?

Lastly, I’d like to know that it’s eating. It’s alive, so it must be grazing on something, but I’d like to know that it’s actually eating what I put in the tank. Is this something I should just assume, or is there some way to get the food right in front of her, without my clownfish or something stealing it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[blaxsun]

Just be glad you don't have a Royal Gramma. They can disappear into the rockwork for weeks and months on end.

 

[Sharkbait19]

Just be glad you don't have a Royal Gramma. They can disappear into the rockwork for weeks and months on end.

Lol I do have a royal gramma!! Yeah they can be skittish too haha

 

[Sharkbait19]

Progress update: she no longer darts away when I come near, so I can get good photos of him!

 

[Zionas]

Beautiful :)