Yasha Goby - Stonogobiops yasha

Yasha Goby (Stonogobiops yasha)

The Yasha Goby is an elegant and highly distinctive marine goby recognised for its slender white body, vivid red striping and elongated dorsal fin. Small, peaceful and fascinating to observe, it is especially prized for its natural symbiotic relationship with suitable pistol shrimp. Reef safe and well suited to mature nano or community reef aquariums, this species benefits from a sandy substrate, secure rockwork and calm tankmates.

Common Name:
Yasha Goby, Yasha Hase Goby

Scientific Name (Latin):
Stonogobiops yasha

Maximum Size:
Approximately 5 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Yasha Goby occurs in tropical Indo-Pacific reef environments and is associated with sandy and rubble-covered areas close to coral and rocky reef structure.

It naturally lives close to burrows and may form a symbiotic partnership with pistol shrimp, sharing the burrow while the goby acts as a lookout for potential danger.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Peaceful

The Yasha Goby is a peaceful and relatively shy species that is best housed with calm, non-aggressive marine fish.

It may become territorial towards similar burrow-dwelling gobies where aquarium space is limited, but aggression towards unrelated fish is generally minimal.

Diet:
Carnivore / Planktivore

The Yasha Goby naturally feeds on small crustaceans and planktonic foods.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and quality small marine pellets.

Several small feeds throughout the day are beneficial, especially for newly introduced specimens.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 60 litres

Its small adult size makes the Yasha Goby suitable for nano reef aquariums, provided stable water chemistry, suitable substrate and secure shelter are available.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Yasha Goby typically remains close to its burrow and spends much of its time hovering just above the entrance while watching its surroundings.

When partnered with a compatible pistol shrimp, the shrimp maintains and excavates the burrow while the goby provides an early warning of approaching danger.

Provide a fine sandy substrate with small pieces of rubble and securely positioned rockwork.

The fish may retreat rapidly into its burrow when startled but usually becomes more confident once established.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe

The Yasha Goby is generally considered reef safe and does not normally damage healthy corals, clams or established ornamental invertebrates.

It is particularly well suited to peaceful mixed reef aquariums.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with fine sand, small rubble and secure rockwork suitable for burrow construction.

A pistol shrimp partner is not essential, but the natural goby-shrimp association can produce particularly interesting behaviour when a compatible shrimp is present.

Avoid highly aggressive or fast-feeding tankmates that may intimidate the goby or prevent it from obtaining enough food.

A tightly fitted aquarium lid is strongly recommended, as small gobies can jump when startled, especially during acclimation.

Ensure rockwork rests securely rather than relying on loose sand for support, as burrowing activity can undermine unstable structures.

Stable water chemistry, careful acclimation and regular feeding are important for long-term success.

Suitable for:
Beginner to Intermediate

Availability:
Availability can vary depending on season, collection area and supplier.

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.