Steinitz's Shrimpgoby

Description:

Also referred to as Cryptocentrus steinitzi, and also known as Steinitz Goby, Orange Banded Prawn Goby and Orange Banded Shrimp Goby. The Steinitz's Shrimpgoby is white with five reddish-brown latitudinal bars on its body. You may also see orange dots on the dorsal fins. They feed on tiny invertebrates and zooplankton, and grow to about 12cm in length. Shrimpgobies have a symbiotic relationship with snapping shrimps (Alpheus sp.). The gobies stand guard while the shrimp play "housekeeper" to their burrow, continually digging and cleaning the sand. The gobies will signal when predators are near.

Habitat:

Found in pairs sharing their burrow with an alpheid shrimp on clean white sand in lagoons on outer reef slopes, at depths of 1 to 10m. Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region.

Notes:

I found this goby living with not one but two housekeeper shrimp!! I think the shrimp are Alpheus djiboutensis. Photographed them at a depth of less than 20 feet.