Bella Rose Goby (Valenciennea Bella)

The Bella Rose Goby, also known as the Pretty Sleeper Goby, is a peaceful and beautiful sand-sifting species known for its pastel coloration and utility in maintaining clean substrates. This species actively sifts through the sand in search of food, helping to aerate the substrate and keep it free of debris. With its soft, creamy pink and yellow body accented by a distinct black spot near the gills, the Bella Rose Goby is both functional and visually appealing in reef tanks.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 5 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; larger tanks with a soft, deep sand bed for sifting and plenty of rockwork are ideal for this active species.
• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on tiny invertebrates and detritus found in the sand. In captivity, it can be fed a variety of meaty foods, including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It may also accept high-quality pellet and frozen foods.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; the Bella Rose Goby is a non-aggressive species and does well in community and reef tanks with other peaceful fish.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; relatively hardy and easy to care for in tanks with a proper sand bed for sifting.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and is highly beneficial in keeping the substrate clean.

Special Feature - Sand Sifting
The Bella Rose Goby is an active sand-sifter, constantly searching the substrate for food. This behavior helps keep the sand bed aerated and free of excess detritus, making it an important part of the tank’s natural cleanup crew. Providing a soft, fine-grain sand substrate is essential for its well-being.

Compatibility
This goby is peaceful and can coexist with a wide variety of tankmates, including other peaceful fish and invertebrates. It’s important to ensure that the tank has sufficient food sources in the sand, or it should be supplemented with appropriate foods to prevent starvation.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Bella Rose Goby has a soft pinkish-yellow body, with a distinct black spot near the gills. The combination of its delicate coloration and functional sand-sifting behavior makes it a visually appealing and practical addition to reef tanks​.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Bella Rose Goby is commonly found in sandy areas near coral reefs, where it sifts through the substrate in search of food. It prefers habitats with soft sand beds and plenty of hiding spots among the rocks.