Scientific
Name: Cryptocentrus pavoninoides
Family:
Common Names: Blackfinned Shrimp Goby; BlueSpotted Watchman Goby
Description:
A large head and mouth give this fish a bull-dog looking
appearance. The body is a light olive green color with large dark green vertical bands
with numerous small blue spots especially around the head.
The dorsal fin is prominent with an attractive orange color and 4 black spots.
The bottom fins are dark and formed into a shape for easy perching on rocks
and the sand to
survey its surroundings.
Natural Environment:
Western Pacific Ocean
Care:
Reef Suitability: An excellent reef
inhabitant though not seen very commonly for some reason. Staying on or
very close to the bottom. A substrate in when to burrow under rocks is much
appreciated. Doesn't bother corals, but might be a menace to some
small crustaceans that it can fit in its sizeable mouth.
Disposition: More peaceful than its appearance might
suggest. Gets along well with other reef inhabitants and more than
one may be kept in a tank. Likes to stake out a small territory on the sand under
a rock ledge for protection and
tends to stay very close to home. Might be a little aggressive to other
fish invading its territory. The specimen pictured here shares an
area under a rock with a brittle star and frequently two sally light-foot
crabs. At feeding time, it can be quite the free-for-all.
Feeding: Eats all standard meaty foods including Formula
1, brine shrimp, mysid shrimp, chunks of table shrimp and bloodworms. Likes
larger mouthfuls.
Hardiness: Seems to be very hardy.
Temperature:
Does well within normal reef tank
temperature ranges of at least 76-84°F.
Size: Can grow up to about 5" long.
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