Filament-finned shrimpgoby

Stonogobiops nematodes is a small marine goby in the family Gobiidae, native to reef slopes of the western Pacific. It has a white body crossed by diagonal dark bands, a yellow face, and a distinctive elongated first dorsal-fin filament that gives it its common name. The species is peaceful and best known for its obligate symbiosis with Alpheus pistol shrimp: the shrimp digs and maintains a burrow while the sharp-eyed goby stands guard, retreating into the shelter at any threat. It is shy but hovers just above the substrate, often in pairs. It suits a peaceful reef or nano marine aquarium with a deep sand bed and, ideally, a partner pistol shrimp to display natural behavior. It is reef-safe and accepts a varied diet of small meaty foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, and quality frozen preparations. A tight-fitting lid is advised, as it can jump when startled.