Golden Head Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea strigata)

The Golden Head Sleeper Goby, also known as the Golden Head Sleeper Goby, is a functional and visually striking species that brings both beauty and utility to reef and community aquariums. With its bright yellow head and pale body, this goby sifts through the sand in search of food, helping to aerate the substrate and maintain a clean and healthy tank environment. Its peaceful temperament and practical behavior make it a favorite among aquarists.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 6 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum; requires a sandy substrate and rockwork for burrowing and shelter.
• Diet: Carnivorous; primarily feeds on meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It also grazes on microorganisms within the sandbed. Supplemental feeding with sinking pellets or frozen foods is recommended.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Peaceful; suitable for community tanks but may become territorial toward other sand-dwelling gobies.
• Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate; hardy and easy to care for but requires a stable tank environment and consistent feeding.
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates and is beneficial for maintaining substrate health.

Special Features - Sand-Sifting Behavior
The Sleeper Gold Head Goby is known for its sand-sifting behavior, which helps aerate the substrate and reduce the buildup of detritus. This natural activity promotes a healthier tank ecosystem and prevents dead spots in the sandbed.

Compatibility
This goby is peaceful and thrives in community setups with other non-aggressive species. Avoid housing it with large predators or overly aggressive fish that may stress it. It may form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp but does not rely on this pairing to thrive.

Coloration

• Indo-Pacific Region: The Sleeper Gold Head Goby displays a bright yellow head and a white-to-pale body, with subtle blue markings on its face. Its vibrant coloration and active behavior make it a captivating addition to marine tanks.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, particularly in sandy reef zones where it creates burrows and sifts through the substrate for food.
• Tank Setup: Requires a sandy substrate for burrowing and sifting, along with plenty of live rock for security and shelter.

Special Considerations - Lid Requirement
The Sleeper Gold Head Goby is prone to jumping, especially in response to stress. A secure lid or mesh cover is essential to prevent escape.