Hi-Fin Goby and Shrimp split

[chucko]

Ive had a hi-fin goby and pistol shrimp (candy cane I think) for around a month. They paired up right away, and never really left the rock structure they were under. About a week and half ago I noticed the goby sitting in the corner of the tank, still eating, but just sitting there. Figured there was something wrong or maybe stressed. The next day, he disappeared, no trace what-so-ever.

Yesterday, I see him again at feeding time, acting normal, eating normal, but on the other side of the tank, away from the shrimp. Verified shrimp is still in the same stop from underneath the tank.

Anyone else ever had a goby and shrimp split up? Any chance they will get back together?

 

[skp]

Are you sure the shrimp and goby haven't created a tunnel from one end of the tank to the other? How big is the tank? Are their gaps in the rockwork? I've had a yasha and candy cane claim a few separated pieces of rockwork and move around from one to another.

 

[Coelli]

I haven't had a pair split, per se, but my randall's dumped my yellow watchman (after being paired for 9 months) for the new yasha hotness when it arrived. They all live under the same rock with burrows on either side; I can't see the watchman's burrow to see if the shrimp comes out, but sometimes I suspect the shrimp is two-timing with both gobies under the rock.

 

[chucko]

Definitely not connected burrows. Its a 4' 120g...their burrows are about 3'. There's a good 6-8" of open space between the rock structures.

I get the feeling something may be harassing the Goby, he just doen't eat as aggressively as it used to. He would normally come as far as necessary to grab food, now it won't come out by anymore than an inch or two. Really sucks cause he's on the very back corner of my tank near an overflow and I can hardly see the guy.

On another note, do you think a second goby - most likely a yellow watchman and another pistol shrimp would do fine a 120g - basically two pairs of goby/shrimp. I doubt I'll get anything until he at least acts normal again.