Despite extensive research into the reproductive biology of amphidromous sicydiine gobies, there have been few detailed reports of courtship behaviour exhibited by representatives of this group of fishes. The standout exception is the comprehensive field based research of Sicyopterus stimpsoni in streams of the Hawaiian Islands. There have also been studies of reproduction biology including brief mentions of male-female displays and male-male territorial displays of Lentipes concolor and the temperate Sicyopterus japonicus. In the current study, phases of courtship display are described from opportunistic observations and filming of spectacular ritual courtship of the Opal cling goby, Stiphodon semoni, in the Australian Wet Tropics. This new information is used to enhance thinking about courtship behaviour in sicydiines, and the experience is used to comment on different forms of observer effect. These recent behavioural observations are also cast as important in reinforcing local protective and conservation status of this species in Queensland and Australia.