Cryptocentrus Cinctus and Alpheus Randalli and they are gone ?

Peter Brom · Mar 22, 2023

Yesterday I bought a 1 Cryptocentrus Cinctus and 1 Alpheus Randalli and they are gone (can't find them). No matter where I look they vanished. The only thing I didn't do yet is shifting the sand. This will probably be my last resort.

In my tank, I have 2 clownfish and snails and all water parameters are in line.

Is there something I can do to check if they are alive ?, or do they hide in the sand so you can't see them ?

Thanks for your advice.

Anemone_Fanatic · Mar 22, 2023

They'll be hiding somewhere. In a burrow, in a cave, in a little hole in the rock, etc. It's quite normal not to see gobies and their shrimp for several weeks as they scout out their territory, find one another, and build a burrow. Don't worry too much about it. Whatever you do, don't go looking for them, especially not by stirring the sand. That's a good way to stress them out, accidentally injure one of them, or cause issues with the tank by stirring up detritus. Just let them be, put a little extra food in with each feeding, and they'll show up.