Watchman goby lost his color!

[stephanie]

Yes, a yellowish gray with black stripes. I'll post a pic later. I originally figured he was stressed, but I can't figure out for the life of me why he would be...especially since he isn't hiding. I'm thinking of putting him in the frag tank, but I didn't want to separate him from his shrimp. We bought them together as a pair about 8 months ago. He's never left the shrimp until now. Maybe they had a fight.

Do you think I should separate them (especially since he isn't even watching the hole) and put him in the frag tank?

Thanks for getting back so fast.

[FragOutpost]

Yep. Yellowish grey with stripes definitely sounds like he is stressed. I would give it some more time before putting the goby in a different tank. That is very odd that you purchased them together but now they will not share the same burrow. Do you have actinics, or a way to reduce the amount of light in the tank. When I add new fish to the tank I usually will only leave the actinics on to help ease the stress on the fish.

That still doesn't explain why he is stressed. Could there possibly be another critter living in the burrow with the pistol shrimp, like a crab or a mantis? I would turn the lights down and give it a couple of days. If the situation does not improve then moving him to another tank might be the best option, even though it would endure more stress. It is a tough one to call. Try to evaluate any and every reason as to what is causing the stress. Good luck.

[stephanie]

Nothing else is in the hole. I'd prefer not to touch the lights because of all the corals. I think I'll try switching him. Plus, if it is disease induced stress, the extra iodine in the other tank should help.

[FragOutpost]

Well as long he continues to eat well, then I would expect him to overcome whatever it is that is stressing him. Diesease is an interesting point I didn't think about. Anyways, keep us updated on his status. Wish you the best of luck.

[avbryce1]

also what do you feed him?

[stephanie]

He eats mysis and cyclopeze mostly.

He's still in the main tank, I didn't move him. He doesn't seem any worse, but he still has no color.

May be the food is too blame! Good thinking. Thanks.

[stephanie]

Here's a picture.