White Sleeper Goby - Valenciennea sexguttata

The White Sleeper Goby is a hardy, sand-sifting saltwater fish known for its pale body with subtle markings and its ability to keep the substrate clean. This species actively sifts through the sand in search of food, helping to aerate the substrate and prevent the buildup of detritus, making it a valuable addition to reef and marine aquariums.

Description:

Common Name: White Sleeper Goby

Scientific Name: Valenciennea sexguttata

Family: Gobiidae

Size: 5-6 inches (12-15 cm)

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Moderate

Reef Safe: Yes

Native Region:

White Sleeper Gobies are found in the Indo-Pacific region, typically inhabiting sandy reef areas where they sift through the substrate for food.

Aquarium Setup:

Tank Size: Minimum of 40 gallons

Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)

pH: 8.0-8.4

Salinity: 1.023-1.025

Substrate: Fine sand to support natural sifting behavior.

Additional Tips:

• Sand Sifting: Constantly filters sand through its gills while searching for food, helping maintain a clean substrate.

• Compatibility: Peaceful and suitable for reef tanks; may be territorial toward other sand-sifting gobies.

• Diet: Carnivorous; requires a steady diet of small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

• Cover: A secure lid is recommended, as this species is prone to jumping when startled.