Pistol and Yellow Watchman Avoiding Eachother

[ReefNole]

Hi all,

A few days ago, I added a candy cane pistol shrimp and blue spotted yellow watchman goby to my tank at the same time. I had found a cave up front that I wanted them to burrow in, so I placed some rubble there and made crater in the sand with my finger.

When adding the shrimp, I netted him to the cave, and he immediately started digging just as I would have hoped. When adding the goby, he eventually settled on the other side of the tank and started his own burrow, unfortunately.

However, when feeding time came, the goby came out and I lured him to the other burrow, where he entered, and stayed for about a full 24 hours. During day and night, I could see both of them in there living harmoniously.

However, today I came home to find the goby in the cave, and the shrimp has appeared to have moved out and dug himself a new cave on the other side of the tank! I thought once these 2 found each other they'd pair? What would make them find each other, share a burrow for a full day, and then split up and find a new place to set up camp?

Thanks as always

 

[Sk8r]

It's not always a happy marriage. The candy cane usually pairs with smaller gobies, IME, and the tiger that will pair with the YWG can turn killer over time. l lost not only my YWG but other fish before I realized what was happening.

 

[ReefNole]

Thanks for the feedback Sk8r.

They're both pretty tiny comparatively for their species, but oh well. I'm not sure what I want to do with them now, because I doubt I'll see the candy cane much if he's not paired with the YWG. The candy cane also set up shop at a much less desirable part of the tank and isn't even visible from the front...

Do most people in this situation just kind of forget about the fact that it's living under the rocks and move forward with other inhabitants? At least the YWG is somewhat active and actually pops out of his burrow (especially to eat).

Thanks as always

 

[ReefNole]

Well, as with so many other things in this hobby, patience goes a long way.

I did a late night pass at the tank last night to find the shrimp back in the shared cave with the YWG. This morning, still in there, so that's a good thing.

Only question now is that in it's digging, the shrimp looks to have filled the cave entrance with sand. Should I clear it out so the YWG can get out? Or assume they are natural diggers and he'll find his way out?

I added some food, which the YWG normally leaves the cave for, but no sight of him yet. Maybe just still waking up...

 

[ericarenee]

Well, as with so many other things in this hobby, patience goes a long way.

I did a late night pass at the tank last night to find the shrimp back in the shared cave with the YWG. This morning, still in there, so that's a good thing.

Only question now is that in it's digging, the shrimp looks to have filled the cave entrance with sand. Should I clear it out so the YWG can get out? Or assume they are natural diggers and he'll find his way out?

I added some food, which the YWG normally leaves the cave for, but no sight of him yet. Maybe just still waking up...

it might be a hostage situation. call the Squat team..... Serious note I am sure they will dig themselves out when they are done doing what ever they do in there cave together.

 

[sctip]

My YWG and Tiger Pistol secure themselves away every night. I believe when the shrimp is ready for bed he closes the door and opens it up in the morning when the sun comes up. fascinating pair to watch.