Gold Headed Sleeper Goby

The Gold Headed Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea strigata) is a striking and beneficial sand-sifting fish known for its bright yellow head and white body. This species plays a vital role in maintaining a clean substrate by constantly sifting through the sand in search of food.

(REEF SAFE / INTERMEDIATE)

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Gold Headed Sleeper Goby, Yellow Head Sleeper Goby, Blueband Goby
• Scientific Name: Valenciennea strigata
• Family: Gobiidae
• Origin/Habitat: Found in the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting sandy lagoons and coastal reef slopes.
• Maximum Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
• Lifespan: Typically 5–7 years with proper care
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate; requires a well-established tank with a deep sand bed for natural feeding.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: White body with a vibrant yellow head and blue markings near the eyes.
• Body Shape & Structure: Slender, elongated body adapted for burrowing and sand-sifting.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons (150 liters) or larger.
• Water Temperature: Maintain between 74°F and 80°F (23°C to 27°C).
• pH Level: Keep between 8.1 and 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Requires a deep sand bed (at least 3 inches) for burrowing and sifting. Provide caves or rock formations for shelter.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Carnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Consumes small invertebrates within the sand; should be supplemented with frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily; ensure they receive adequate nutrition, as they can deplete natural sand-dwelling food sources.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Peaceful but territorial towards other sand-sifting gobies.
• Social Behavior: Best kept singly or as a bonded pair; avoid keeping with other gobies of the same genus.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with most peaceful reef fish; avoid aggressive species that may outcompete them for food.
• Activity Level: Constantly active, sifting sand and aerating the substrate.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: Requires a mature aquarium with an established sand bed to support its feeding behavior.
• Special Requirements: Needs a secure lid, as it may jump when startled.
• Breeding Info: Rarely bred in captivity; forms monogamous pairs in the wild.
• Additional Notes: The Gold Headed Sleeper Goby is reef-safe but can sometimes disturb coral placement due to its sand-sifting activity. Ensure it has access to a sufficient food supply to prevent malnutrition.