Watchman Goby In A Barebottom?

[BamboozleBean]

Not sure if this is a stupid question or not, I have a 25 gallon barebottom tank with lots of rock work and caves to hide in. I was wondering if a watchman goby would be comfortable without a sand bed. I understand that they can pick up food through the sand but I don’t know how essential it is for their survival. Would I be able to have one in my tank?

 

[Doctorgori]

my orange spotted gobies are in a BB tank, they cant excavate but seem otherwise normal ...
still my personal preference is to imitate as much natural behavior as possible which then requires some sort of similar habitat/stimulus ,,,
gobies are more interesting with shrimp & sand IMO

 

[Terry Le]

Yes more natural with sand so they can do the things

 

[BamboozleBean]

my orange spotted gobies are in a BB tank, they cant excavate but seem otherwise normal ...
still my personal preference is to imitate as much natural behavior as possible which then requires some sort of similar habitat/stimulus ,,,
gobies are more interesting with shrimp & sand IMO

Agreed, I wouldn’t want to get a fish knowing it would be stressed.

 

[LIreefguy]

It can work especially if you take special care and make sure it’s eating. I used to siphon feed mine . I also threw a little sand it one corner just to cover the bottom. Not really sure if it matter or helped but he did moving it around a little

 

[BamboozleBean]

It can work especially if you take special care and make sure it’s eating. I used to siphon feed mine . I also threw a little sand it one corner just to cover the bottom. Not really sure if it matter or helped but he did moving it around a little

I have a small tank and only plan on 2-3 fish so individually feeding wouldn’t be a problem. I have plenty of caves and crevices I created so I hope that would be enough for him to be comfortable.