Golden Head Sleeper Goby

Scientific Name: Valenciennea strigata
Family: Gobiidae
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Care Difficulty: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Omnivore – Sand Sifter
Minimum Aquarium Size: 120 liters
Maximum Size: 14–16 cm
Temperature: 24–27°C
Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG
pH: 8.1–8.4
Reef Compatibility: Conditionally compatible

Valenciennea strigata is a popular reef goby species known for its golden-yellow head region and continuous sand-sifting behavior.

It continuously takes sand into its mouth and filters it.

It is quite calm and peaceful.

It is highly preferred in reef aquariums for keeping the sand bed clean.

Points to Consider

• May carry sand onto corals
• May starve in insufficient sand fauna
• Not recommended for newly set up tanks
• High risk of jumping out in open aquariums