Sixspot Sleeper Goby Care Guide
Valenciennea sexguttata is an Indo-Pacific sand-sifting goby with blue spots that lives in monogamous pairs within burrows under rocks.
Overview
Valenciennea sexguttata, the sixspot sleeper goby (also chalk goby), is a marine fish of the family Gobiidae described by Valenciennes in 1837. It is a sand-sifting goby recognised by bright blue spots and a yellow throat patch on a pale body.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Valenciennea
- Scientific name: Valenciennea sexguttata
- Authority: Valenciennes, 1837
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf and East Africa to Samoa, north to the Yaeyama and Ryukyu Islands and south to Queensland, Australia. It is reef-associated, inhabiting silty or sandy areas of lagoons and bays, recorded at 3 to 25 m. Adults typically live in pairs within burrows beneath rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Maximum size: 14 cm TL
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
Valenciennea sexguttata is a carnivore. Like other members of the genus it forages over sand; a fine sand bed and feeding about twice daily support this behaviour in captivity.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling goby usually found in pairs or small aggregations. It suits reef tanks with calm tank mates such as clownfish, cardinalfish and wrasses, and should not be kept with predators.
Breeding
The species is monogamous, with mating described as both obligate and social.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 20 June 2017.