Aurora Goby
- Species Information
- Scientific Name:Amblyeleotris aurora
- Described:Long slender fish that is white in color with bright pink bars going down the length of its body.
- Origin:Africa
- Temperament:Peaceful
- Maximum Size:4"
- Ideal Tank Size:>10 Gallons
The Aurora, or Pinkbar, goby, Amblyeleotris aurora (Polunin & Lubbock, 1977) is a beautiful addition to most reef systems and are ideal for nano tanks. This stunning goby is a member of the shrimp goby family, meaning they have a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp of the genus Alpheus. If housed with a pistol shrimp, they will exhibit this natural partnership in the home aquarium as well. In this relationship, the nearly blind shrimp burrows to create a cave which the aurora goby will sit outside to keep watch for predators. The shrimp and goby stay in constant contact through the shrimp’s antenna. Because of this behavior, a thick sand bed and rock rubble is required to allow burrowing. Like most shrimp gobies they adjust fairly well to life in captivity and will readily accept prepared foods such as our hatchery diet, frozen brine, mysis, and cyclopeeze. These fish are reef safe and can be kept with other invertebrates as well as coral or clams. The aurora goby may jump when startled so a tight-fitting lid is necessary.
Physical Description– The aurora goby is a long slender fish that is white in color with bright pink bars going down the length of its body. Its caudal fin is bright yellow with flecks of orange giving it a “sunburst” look and the alternate name Sunburst Goby. This fish may be confused with several other shrimp gobies that have similar coloration, but it can be distinguished by the slanted pink bar beneath its eye.
Temperament– This shrimp goby is very peaceful and can be housed with other peaceful fish. It will fight with others of its kind unless they are a mated pair. A mated pair will also form a symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp if one is present.
Size– The aurora goby reaches a maximum size of 4 inches. Because of this moderate size, and their mostly sedentary nature, they can be housed in nano tanks of 10 gallons or larger.
Diet– The Aurora Goby readily accepts prepared foods such as our Hatchery Diet, frozen brine, mysis, and cyclopeeze
Distribution– The fish has a range from the eastern coast of Africa to Indonesia. The specimens at SI generally come from Africa.