Questions about new livestock

JosephM · Feb 10, 2021

Today I went out and purchased a Dracula goby and a bullseye pistol shrimp in hopes they’ll pair up. I currently have a pair of premium phantom white clowns. Upon released the goby one of the clowns kind of latched onto him and he opened his mouth wide and then hid. The pistol is just chillin on the rocks, he’s a big guy. I can’t find the goby for the life of me and just tryna get some advice and experience of how these symbiotic relationships work. How long will it take for them to pair up? How long will it take the goby and/or shrimp to dig a cave? What happens if they dig a cave in the back where I can’t see them, will they ever come out in the open? I’m just worried because it’s a beautiful and hard fish to find even online and not being able to see him sucks because I’ll never know if he’s alright.

BlennyTime · Feb 10, 2021

It’s not unusual for new fish to hide. I’d give him a few days to come out and they should pair up within a week or so.

Unfortunately there’s nothing to stop them from digging their cave in the back. You could rearrange your rockwork if that happens to try to motivate them to find somewhere new.

JosephM · Feb 10, 2021

Yeah. I already messed up lol. I kinda knew where he was (under a tiny rock) so I lifted it up and he came out and just casually ‘walked’ around the tank. And bam sand goes flying up and he digs his cave behind a huge rock where I can’t see

will the pistol shrimp join him or will the goby join the pistol shrimp when he digs his? And do they ever venture away from their cave? On the plus side I got some pics lol

JosephM · Feb 10, 2021

Is it normal for a new goby to wander the tank at night. I got home from work and went to the flashlight to check stuff out and he’s just chilling up front against a rock. Barely scooting. Like barely moved an inch in a few minutes. I’m not used to gobies or blennies so to me it’s concerning but I know they like the ground. No labored breathing (I can barely tell he’s breathing tbh)