Compatibility question - Goby

[yourmom]

I’m new but kept a 10 gal for a year and a half and just started a 20 long and a 40 gallon AIO. In the 20 long, I have a Pajama Cardinal and wanted to add a couple of other fish. I went to my LFS and picked up a yellow watchman goby (always wanted one) and also a fish I hadn’t seen there which I later found out is a Court Jester or Old Glory, and also a goby. So far the watchman enjoys his holes and caves and hangs out near the sand while the Court Jester swims the perimeter. Is it possible for them to coexist or will they be incompatible since they are both Goby?

 

[ThePurple12]

Yep, there shouldn't be any problems.

 

[William Mumford]

They are good both peaceful.

 

[yourmom]

So glad to hear it! They are both cool fish so I didn’t want to have issues. Thanks

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Should be fine until your YWG finds a burrow to defend. Mine aggressively chases my swissguard basslet away every time it ventures near the gobys home. And that’s not even a goby lol. Not sure if mines the only one who’s saucy like that..

 

[yourmom]

Should be fine until your YWG finds a burrow to defend. Mine aggressively chases my swissguard basslet away every time it ventures near the gobys home. And that’s not even a goby lol. Not sure if mines the only one who’s saucy like that..

Sounds like my bicolor blenny in my 40. He is kind of a jerk but I love the little dude. Just him and a couple of clowns in there and the clownfish are so happy-go-lucky they don’t even notice when he’s mad. Haha

 

[toadstool_paradise]

Sounds like my bicolor blenny in my 40. He is kind of a jerk but I love the little dude. Just him and a couple of clowns in there and the clownfish are so happy-go-lucky they don’t even notice when he’s mad. Haha

Yep my YWG (Grumpy)tried to bully my clownfish but the clown is so derpy it just sat there so mr Grumpy gave up.

 

[yourmom]

Yep my YWG (Grumpy)tried to bully my clownfish but the clown is so derpy it just sat there so mr Grumpy gave up.

Too funny. My bicolor blenny’s name is Tommy Twotone and we like to imagine him as the mobster of the tank. Totally has that NJ accent.

 

[yourmom]

Well, the YWG claimed a hole early on. The CJB tried it on for size today when YWG wasn’t looking. I didn’t see a scuffle but I wouldn’t be surprised if these two fight over it. I mean, it’s a prime location and we all know the first three rules of real estate...

 

[William Mumford]

Well, the YWG claimed a hole early on. The CJB tried it on for size today when YWG wasn’t looking. I didn’t see a scuffle but I wouldn’t be surprised if these two fight over it. I mean, it’s a prime location and we all know the first three rules of real estate...

They might establish a little bit of dominance much like when dogs meet. But nothing that will be a death match just some bickering.

 

[yourmom]

They might establish a little bit of dominance much like when dogs meet. But nothing that will be a death match just some bickering.

I hope you're right. I'm keeping an eye on them and have a 40 gallon if I need to separate them. Would either work with a bicolor blenny?

 

[William Mumford]

You could get the the yellow watch man a pistol shrimp pal and he will be pretty much substrate bond for the remainder of the time. Its also so cool and enjoyable to watch.

 

[yourmom]

You could get the the yellow watch man a pistol shrimp pal and he will be pretty much substrate bond for the remainder of the time. Its also so cool and enjoyable to watch.

We have a cleaner shrimp and added a peppermint. Is 3 too many? It’s only a 20 gallon.

 

[ThePurple12]

3's fine

 

[yourmom]

I’ll look into a pistol shrimp! I would love for him to have a buddy!

 

[ThePurple12]

While you're at it, you can also get him a wife! Just get another watchman (small as possible) and they'll form a pair, like with clowns.

 

[yourmom]

Okay stop it. I can’t deal with the potential cuteness of two... would two also enjoy a pistol shrimp roommate?

 

[ThePurple12]

Lol they would, but I'm not sure how to pair pistol shrimp.

 

[William Mumford]

Pistol shrimp and goby will find each other in the tank. I haven't seen it where the shrimp or goby doesn't find 1 another. Some do say that not all watchman will pair with a pistol but I haven't seen it I added my pistol after my goby. Now Marv and Harry are as thick as thieves. Watchman gobys like to feel safe thats why they like the other user said pair very easily.

To make it faster for them to find each other you can put the pistol in a small cup when you are introducing the shrimp and put the shrimp directly in front of the gobys hiding spot or near it.