Hawaiian Shrimp Goby

Psilogobius mainlandi

The Hawaiian Shrimp Goby is a small reef fish endemic to the Eastern Central Pacific, specifically the waters around Hawaii. It reaches a maximum length of 3.7 cm, making it a petite inhabitant of the marine environment. This goby is closely associated with alpheid shrimp, with which it shares a symbiotic relationship. The shrimp creates burrows on shallow reef flats, providing shelter for the goby, which in turn acts as a lookout for predators. Divers can find the Hawaiian Shrimp Goby in tropical marine environments, particularly on reef flats at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters. Its benthic lifestyle means it is often found close to the seabed, where it can be seen hovering near its shrimp partner's burrow. An encounter with this goby during a dive can be a subtle experience, as its small size and close association with the substrate make it less conspicuous. Despite this, it is harmless to humans and poses no threat. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.