Leopard Goby

Species Profile

• Scientific Name: Amblyeleotris diagonalis
• Common Name: Leopard Goby
• Adult Size: Up to 4 inches (10 cm)
• Life Expectancy: Around 5–7 years in captivity
• Habitat:
  • Found in the Western Pacific Ocean, including reefs and sandy bottoms near coral heads
  • Typically seen at depths of 1–25 meters
  • Often lives in symbiosis with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows in the substrate

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 gallons (75–115 liters) for a single or pair
• Ideal Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH Range: 8.1–8.4
• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH
• Temperament:
  • Peaceful and shy, best suited for reef tanks
  • Can be kept singly or as a mated pair
  • Compatible with other peaceful fish

• May jump, so a tight-fitting lid is essential

Diet

Omnivorous
Diet should include:

• Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp
• Finely chopped seafood
• High-quality sinking pellets or frozen foods
• Occasional feedings of copepods or amphipods if available

Feed 1–2 times daily; prefers to feed near the bottom

Appearance

Distinctive Features:

• Pale white to beige body with diagonal rows of dark brown to reddish spots, giving a "leopard" appearance
• Elongated body and pointed snout typical of gobies
• Often seen perched near its burrow entrance, scanning for threats
• May have subtle yellow or orange markings near the head or fins
• Typically found in association with Alpheus pistol shrimp, forming a mutualistic relationship