Flaming Prawn Goby - Discordipinna griessingeri
Flaming Prawn Gobies (Discordipinna griessingeri) are tiny, cryptic reef fish known for their vibrant striping, elongated fins, and hovering behavior around caves and overhangs. Native to deeper reef environments throughout the Indo-Pacific, these gobies are rarely seen in the open and spend much of their time perched near rock crevices or darting between shaded hiding spots.
Despite their small size, Flaming Prawn Gobies are highly sought after for their unique appearance and peaceful nature. They are best suited for established nano and reef aquariums with calm tankmates and plenty of rockwork.
Care Requirements
Care Level: Moderate to Difficult – Sensitive feeder that requires a peaceful environment
Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Mature reef aquarium with caves, overhangs, low aggression, and stable water quality
Flaming Prawn Gobies do best in aquariums with abundant rockwork and shaded areas where they can feel secure. They may remain hidden frequently, especially during acclimation.
Diet & Nutrition
Flaming Prawn Gobies are carnivorous micro-predators that feed on tiny meaty foods and zooplankton in the water column.
Diet: Carnivore – Feeds on small meaty foods and microfauna
Recommended Foods:
- Copepods and live microfauna
- Baby brine shrimp
- Finely chopped mysis shrimp
- Cyclops and other small frozen foods
- Small pellet or prepared nano foods once acclimated
Frequent feeding is important due to their small size and fast metabolism. Newly imported individuals may initially rely on live foods before transitioning to frozen options.
Lifespan & Growth Rate
Lifespan: 2–4+ years
Growth Rate: Slow
With stable conditions and regular feeding, Flaming Prawn Gobies can adapt well to aquarium life and become more visible over time.
Temperament & Compatibility
Temperament: Peaceful – Extremely shy and non-aggressive
Reef Safe? Yes
Flaming Prawn Gobies are reef safe and compatible with corals and most peaceful nano reef inhabitants. They should not be housed with aggressive fish, fast feeders, or species that may outcompete them during feeding.
Good tankmates include small gobies, firefish, clownfish, and other peaceful nano species.
Avoid housing them with dottybacks, aggressive wrasses, hawkfish, larger basslets, or predatory fish.
Common Challenges & Considerations
Shy Behavior
Flaming Prawn Gobies are naturally cryptic and may spend extended periods hiding within rockwork.
Feeding Competition
Because of their small size and timid nature, they can struggle to compete for food in heavily stocked aquariums.
Jumping Risk
Like many small gobies, they may jump if startled. A tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended.
Acclimation Stress
New arrivals can be delicate and may take time to settle in and begin feeding consistently.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 75–77°F
dKH (Alkalinity): 8–9
pH: 8.1–8.3
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
Stable water quality, low aggression, and consistent access to small meaty foods are essential for long-term success with Flaming Prawn Gobies.
Description
Flaming Prawn Gobies (Discordipinna griessingeri) are tiny, cryptic reef fish known for their vibrant striping, elongated fins, and hovering behavior around caves and overhangs. Native to deeper reef environments throughout the Indo-Pacific, these gobies are rarely seen in the open and spend much of their time perched near rock crevices or darting between shaded hiding spots.
Despite their small size, Flaming Prawn Gobies are highly sought after for their unique appearance and peaceful nature. They are best suited for established nano and reef aquariums with calm tankmates and plenty of rockwork.
Care Requirements
Care Level: Moderate to Difficult – Sensitive feeder that requires a peaceful environment
Minimum Tank Size: 10+ gallons
Aquarium Setup: Mature reef aquarium with caves, overhangs, low aggression, and stable water quality
Flaming Prawn Gobies do best in aquariums with abundant rockwork and shaded areas where they can feel secure. They may remain hidden frequently, especially during acclimation.
Diet & Nutrition
Flaming Prawn Gobies are carnivorous micro-predators that feed on tiny meaty foods and zooplankton in the water column.
Diet: Carnivore – Feeds on small meaty foods and microfauna
Recommended Foods:
- Copepods and live microfauna
- Baby brine shrimp
- Finely chopped mysis shrimp
- Cyclops and other small frozen foods
- Small pellet or prepared nano foods once acclimated
Frequent feeding is important due to their small size and fast metabolism. Newly imported individuals may initially rely on live foods before transitioning to frozen options.
Lifespan & Growth Rate
Lifespan: 2–4+ years
Growth Rate: Slow
With stable conditions and regular feeding, Flaming Prawn Gobies can adapt well to aquarium life and become more visible over time.
Temperament & Compatibility
Temperament: Peaceful – Extremely shy and non-aggressive
Reef Safe? Yes
Flaming Prawn Gobies are reef safe and compatible with corals and most peaceful nano reef inhabitants. They should not be housed with aggressive fish, fast feeders, or species that may outcompete them during feeding.
Good tankmates include small gobies, firefish, clownfish, and other peaceful nano species.
Avoid housing them with dottybacks, aggressive wrasses, hawkfish, larger basslets, or predatory fish.
Common Challenges & Considerations
Shy Behavior
Flaming Prawn Gobies are naturally cryptic and may spend extended periods hiding within rockwork.
Feeding Competition
Because of their small size and timid nature, they can struggle to compete for food in heavily stocked aquariums.
Jumping Risk
Like many small gobies, they may jump if startled. A tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended.
Acclimation Stress
New arrivals can be delicate and may take time to settle in and begin feeding consistently.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 75–77°F
dKH (Alkalinity): 8–9
pH: 8.1–8.3
Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
Stable water quality, low aggression, and consistent access to small meaty foods are essential for long-term success with Flaming Prawn Gobies.
