Wheelers Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris Wheeleri)

Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby (Amblyeleotris wheeleri)

The Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby, also known as the Gorgeous Prawn Goby, is a stunning example of the symbiotic relationships found in the reefs of Indonesia. It is famous for its "partnership" with Alpheus snapping shrimp. In this "roommate" agreement, the shrimp digs and maintains a burrow for both to live in, while the goby acts as the "eyes," standing guard at the entrance to warn the nearly blind shrimp of predators.

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Key Information

• Common Names: Wheeler’s Shrimp Goby, Gorgeous Prawn Goby, Wheeler’s Watchman

• Scientific Name: Amblyeleotris wheeleri

• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Indonesia, East Africa to Fiji)

• Max Size: 8–10 cm (approx. 3.5–4 inches)

• Lifespan: 3–5 years

• Temperament: Peaceful; territorial only toward other gobies

• Diet: Carnivore – Sifter of tiny crustaceans

• Care Level: Easy

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Appearance & Identification

Wheeler’s is one of the most colorful of the "Watchman" style gobies:

• The Bars: A white-to-cream body marked with several broad, red-to-burgundy vertical bars.

• The Sparkles: Between the red bars, the body is sprinkled with brilliant blue iridescent dots, which also appear on the fins.

• The Fins: The dorsal fin is tall and often features a yellowish hue with more blue spotting.

• The Look: It has a classic "grumpy" face with high-set eyes that move independently to track movement.

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Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

• The Symbiotic Bond: To see this fish's natural behavior, it should be kept with a Randall’s (Alpheus randalli) or Tiger Snapping Shrimp (Alpheus bellulus). They will share a hole, and the shrimp will keep its antenna on the goby at all times.

• Mannerisms: They are bottom-dwellers. They spend most of their time hovering just outside the burrow or sitting on the sand bed.

• Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They pose no threat to corals or other invertebrates.

• Social Structure: Usually kept singly, but can be kept in a mated pair if the tank is large enough.

• Tank Mates: Excellent with Clownfish, Anthias, and peaceful Wrasses. Avoid large, aggressive bottom-dwellers like large Dottybacks or aggressive Blennies that might try to steal their burrow.

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Ideal Tank Setup

• Substrate is Key: You must have a sand bed (at least 5–7cm deep) mixed with some crushed coral or small rubble. The shrimp needs the rubble to act as "bricks" to prevent the burrow from collapsing.

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75L (20 Gallons).

• Rockwork: Place your rocks securely on the bottom of the glass, not on top of the sand. Since the goby and shrimp will dig under the rocks, you don't want the structure to collapse on them.

• Lid: They are known to "bolt" and jump if startled. A secure lid is highly recommended.

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Dietary Needs

They are easy to feed but need the food to come to them:

• Diet: Offer frozen meaty foods like mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

• Target Feeding: Since they stay near their burrow, you may need to use a turkey baster or long pipette to "squirt" food near their hole to ensure they get enough to eat.

• Frequency: Feed 1–2 times daily.

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Why Choose the Wheeler’s Goby?

The Wheeler’s Goby is for the hobbyist who loves observing natural behaviors. Watching the goby signal to its shrimp partner is one of the most rewarding sights in the marine hobby. Since they are native to Indonesia, they are very hardy and adapt quickly to aquarium life.