The Tangaroa Goby will often pair with a variety of pistol shrimps. This unique symbiotic relationship is quite interesting to observe. The goby serves as lookout while the nearly blind shrimp keeps their burrow dug out and tidy. It requires mixed substrate to construct its burrow. They are best kept singly, or in pairs.

Offer a varied diet of carnivore preparations, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live black worms, and finely chopped seafood.