Watchman Goby
Watchman Goby is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Pickup available at New Dawn Aquaculture
Usually ready in 1 hour
Cryptocentrus cinctus, commonly known as the Watchman Goby, is a peaceful captive-bred reef fish with plenty of personality. Colour can vary naturally from bright yellow to a softer mustard or pale olive-grey, often with iridescent blue spotting around the head and body. That variation is normal for this species and part of what makes each individual distinct.
This is a great choice for reef keepers looking for a hardy, bottom-oriented fish that brings movement and character without bothering corals or other sessile invertebrates. Captive-bred specimens are already adapted to aquarium life and typically settle well onto prepared foods.
Why Keep a Watchman Goby
- Peaceful, reef-safe temperament
- Captive-bred and well suited to aquarium life
- Attractive blue spotting and naturally variable yellow-to-olive colouration
- Interesting burrow-dwelling behaviour
- May pair with a compatible pistol shrimp in established systems
Care Notes
Watchman Gobies do best in aquariums of 30 gallons or larger. Provide a sandy area, stable rockwork, and a few sheltered spots near the bottom where the fish can establish a burrow. Like many gobies, they can jump if startled, so a tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended.
They are generally peaceful with other community fish, but can be territorial toward other shrimp gobies or fish that occupy the same space near the substrate. Avoid keeping them with aggressive tank mates or species large enough to view small fish as food.
Feeding
This species readily accepts prepared foods. For long-term success, offer a varied diet of small meaty foods and quality pellets such as 1 mm PE Pellets. Frozen options like PE Frozen Mysis Shrimp are also a great fit for encouraging a strong feeding response and maintaining condition.
Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Cryptocentrus cinctus
- Maximum size: Approximately 4 inches
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Reef safe: Yes
Browse more captive-bred fish if you're building a peaceful reef-safe stocking list. For shipping details and livestock coverage, see our shipping page and Arrive Alive Guarantee.
Our Water Parameters
Our Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-78 °F)
- Salinity: 1.026 SG, 35 ppt
- PH: 8.1-8.4
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppb
- Nitrate: 3-15ppm
- Phosphate: 0.03-0.15 ppm
- Alkalinity: 8 dKH
- Calcium: 440 ppm
- Magnesium: 1320 ppm
Acclimation
Acclimation
Temperature Match
Place the sealed bag containing the fish or invertebrate into your tank. Allow it to float for 15-20 minutes to gradually equalize the temperature between the bag and your aquarium. This step minimizes stress caused by sudden temperature changes.
Drip Acclimation
Set up a drip acclimation system by using airline tubing. Start a slow siphon from your tank into the bag or bucket containing the fish or invertebrate, allowing water to drip slowly. Acclimate over a period of approximately 30 minutes, gradually increasing the volume of tank water to match salinity and other water parameters.
Check Salinity
Use a refractometer to measure the salinity in the bag or acclimation container. Ensure the salinity matches your tank’s salinity before transferring the fish or invertebrate. Matching salinity helps reduce stress and prevents shock when introducing new animals.
Release Fish/Invert
Gently transfer the fish or invertebrate into the tank, avoiding netting them if possible to reduce physical stress. Allow the animal to swim out on its own if transferring from a container. Discard the acclimation water, as it may contain contaminants.
How We Pack Livestock
How We Pack Livestock
At New Dawn Aquaculture, we take every step to ensure your marine life arrives alive and thriving!
Carefully Packed for a Safe Journey
- Livestock is hand-packed in sealed oxygen-filled bags with fresh saltwater.
- Insulated coolers with heat or ice packs keep conditions stable, regardless of weather.
- Built to handle up to 48 hours in transit.
Fast Delivery, Every Time
We ship FedEx Priority Overnight so your marine life arrives the next day, reducing stress and maximizing health.
Our Promise
Healthy, vibrant marine life delivered to your door, guaranteed. Shop with peace of mind—your aquarium deserves the best!
Arrive Alive Guarantee Policy
Arrive Alive Guarantee Policy
Every shipped livestock order is covered by our Arrive Alive Guarantee. Report any issue within 48 hours of delivery so our team can review the claim and make it right. Read the full Arrive Alive Guarantee
Watchman Goby is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
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Farmed, Tested, Trusted
Aquacultured coral, real farm standards, and products we actually use.
New Dawn is built around aquacultured coral, captive-bred marine life, and clear farm-backed care guidance from a real coral farm. Alongside the livestock we grow, we carry reef products and essentials that reflect the systems, husbandry standards, and day-to-day practices behind the farm itself.
Aquacultured Coral
Aquacultured coral is grown in aquarium conditions, which helps it arrive better adapted to life in a reef tank. That often means hardier coral, more predictable performance, and a clearer connection between how it was grown and how it can thrive in a customer’s system.
Farm-used reef products
The reef products we carry are not random add-ons. They are equipment, supplies, and essentials tied to our own farm systems, so the storefront stays connected to real husbandry practice.
Shipping and pickup
Shipping and local pickup should feel straightforward. We make timing, preparation, and fulfillment expectations clear so you know what to expect before your order is on the way.
Care and order clarity
From pre-order questions to post-arrival care, New Dawn keeps customers close to the farm standards, handling expectations, and next steps that make livestock orders easier to plan.
