Blue Spot Banded Watchman for Free

[AJtheReefer]

I recently ordered a Kole Tang online and got this fish instead. I'm currently working something out with the online vendor.

He is currently on my QT and I really don't want this fish on my display. Especially since I don't have sand and won't be able to pair him with a shrimp.

If you want him, it can be picked up in Weston.

The fish was drip acclimated for over 3 hours and is eating well on his 2nd day. I've been feeding Hikari and PE Mysis and he eats everything it can get.

If no one want this fish, do you know of any LFS that may be able to take him?

I really don't want money or trades. Just would like to find a suitable home for this guy. He has a decent size as well (around 4' to 5')

btw, he has a spot on his face (not sure if it is ick or not) . . So QT is highly recommended, if you decide to get him. I'm keeping a close eye on him.

Here is a picture of him on the QT.

 

[pedromatic]

pm sent

 

[AJtheReefer]

Pedro,
Received PM. Left message on your cell phone

 

[pedromatic]

AJ
We will meet this afternoon to exchange the fish.

Thank you

 

[Charrkel]

PM sent,

Thanks, Charlie

 

[AJtheReefer]

The goby moved on to greener pastures. . . I met with Pedro earlier today.

Thanks

 

[pedromatic]

So far so good. I acclimated him slowly over several hours then added some HydroPlex to the bag to kill any parasites he might have. I added him to the tank after the lights went out. This morning he's checking out the neighborhood. He was getting harassed a bit by my Neon Dottyback, but that should calm down after a while. I also have a Bullet Goby and Niger Trigger that were checking out the new guy but not aggressively. So far no eating or digging, though.

 

[AJtheReefer]

Pedro
Glad he made it OK into your tank. I usually don't feed during the first day after new arrivals. The fish should start eating soon. Take care

 

[pedromatic]

Does anyone have any info on this fish? I've googled my brains out and found... not much.

Anyway, the fish is doing OK. He was getting beat up by my Neon Dottyback, so I caught the dottyback and moved it to my sump temporarily. The goby is recovering, getting stronger and eating well. It will take a piece of silverside off a feeding rod and grab frozen mysis at feeding time.

It's just very shy, doesn't really move around until night. So far, it has not dug or sifted sand. It just hangs out in a less traveled corner of the tank during the day.

 

[AJtheReefer]

Pedro
I believe the scientific name is Cryptocentrus pavoninoides

The description from the online vendor that sent me this fish instead of the kole tang

The Banded Watchman, a.k.a. Blue-tailed Shrimpgoby, has the distinct large Watchman head with bright blue spots. The body is long and slender and has numerous bands. They make tremendous additions to established reef tanks. These fish are also jumpers, so precautions should be taken to secure openings at the top of the aquarium. Only one should be kept per tank.

Gobies compose one of the largest family of fish in the ocean. These small fish live around reefs or on sandy flats. Many of the Gobies are known for their burrowing behavior. These fish use burrows in the sand for safety. Some of the Goby species are known to share their burrows with Pistol Shrimp; behavior that can be duplicated in the home aquarium. Most Gobies have cupped ventral fins that nearly join just below their gill plates that serve as perching mechanisms so the Goby can always be on the lookout in a resting position. The Goby is a tremendous addition to the home aquarium.

 

[AJtheReefer]

other common names . . .

Black Finned Shrimp Goby, Blue Spot Shrimp Goby, Banded Watchman

Here is LiveAquaria description:

The Bluespotted Watchman Goby, commonly referred to as the Blackfinned Shrimp Goby, was first discovered by Bleeker in 1849. There are two color phases. The first has an orange head with blue spots, the body is orange with red bands, and the dorsal fin has black spots. The second phase is olive drab with blue spots.

It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble. It requires ample swimming room and a sand bottom for burrowing. Rarely will it become aggressive towards other fish, but it is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair. The aquarium requires a tight-fitting cover to prevent it from jumping out.

The Bluespotted Watchman Goby feeds mostly on prey suspended in the water column but will pick food off the substrate. The diet should include mysid shrimp, brine shrimp, and table shrimp. It should be fed at least three times per day.

 

[pedromatic]

Thanks, AJ
My 90 has a canopy that's open in the back, so it is possible but unlikely that the fish would land outside if it jumped. I guess it will take time for it to feel comfortable, but at least it's eating well and moving around a bit more daily.

I'm spoiled by the Diamond Goby in my 55. That guy began digging the night it was introduced and hasn't quit since. In the evening it covers up the entrance to its burrow, then darts straight through the sand for the night. In the morning it digs out the entrance and tidies up.