Golden Headed Sleeper Goby Care Guide
Valenciennea strigata is an Indo-Pacific sand-sifting goby that feeds by passing mouthfuls of sand and forms monogamous burrow-guarding pairs.
Overview
Valenciennea strigata, known as the golden headed sleeper goby, blueband goby or pennant glider, is a marine fish of the family Gobiidae. It was described by Broussonet in 1782 and is the type species of the genus Valenciennea. It is a sand-sifting goby commonly kept in marine aquaria.
Taxonomy
- Family: Gobiidae
- Genus: Valenciennea
- Scientific name: Valenciennea strigata
- Authority: Broussonet, 1782
Habitat
The species ranges across the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Tuamotu Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to Sydney, Australia, including Lord Howe Island. It inhabits clear outer lagoons and seaward reefs over hard substrates, sand and rubble, recorded at 1 to 25 m and usually shallower than 6 m. It digs burrows under rubble that serve as both nesting site and refuge.
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: 18 cm (7.1 in)
- Lifespan: 3-6 years
Diet
Valenciennea strigata is a carnivore. Adults feed on small benthic invertebrates, fishes and fish eggs by sifting mouthfuls of sand. In aquaria a fine sand bed and feeding about twice daily support this behaviour.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling goby usually observed in pairs hovering near their burrows, with strong site fidelity. 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 a monogamous coral-reef fish; both sexes practise mate guarding to enforce monogamy. Females spawn about every 13 days while males guard the eggs, which are laid in a burrow for 2-3 days.