Valenciennea puellaris (Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby / Diamond Goby)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes, but may cover low-lying corals with sand
• Minimum tank size: 150L+ (preferably 200L+ for pairs)
• Adult size: ~15 cm (6 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous (marine pellets, frozen mysis/brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood)
• Be aware of: Constantly sifts sand, which can cloud water and bury corals. Requires a deep, fine sand bed for feeding and burrow construction. Prone to jumping, so a secure lid is recommended.
Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea puellaris) – A Hardy and Beneficial Sand-Sifter
The Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby, also known as the Diamond Goby, is a highly effective sand-sifting fish that plays a vital role in keeping the substrate clean. With its attractive orange-spotted pattern and tireless digging habits, this goby is a popular choice for aquarists looking to maintain a healthy sand bed while enjoying its entertaining behavior. However, due to its continuous burrowing and sifting, it should be kept in tanks with a stable rock structure and a deep sand bed.
Appearance and Coloration
The Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby is easily recognizable due to its:
• Elongated, pale white body, with a subtle silver sheen.
• Bright orange spots and markings running along the head and body, arranged in a pattern resembling diamonds.
• Large, expressive eyes, often seen scanning for food while sifting sand.
• Long, tapered fins, allowing for smooth and fluid movement across the substrate.
Its combination of elegant patterns and active nature makes it a visually appealing and practical addition to a reef tank.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Indo-Pacific, including regions around Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Great Barrier Reef, the Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby inhabits sandy and rubble-covered lagoon reefs, where it:
• Constantly sifts sand through its mouth, filtering out small organisms and detritus.
• Constructs burrows under rocks and coral rubble, often retreating when threatened.
• Forms monogamous pairs, sharing a burrow and working together to maintain their territory.
• Is highly territorial toward other bottom-dwelling gobies, unless introduced as a pair.
In captivity, it retains its natural burrowing and sifting behaviors, making it an essential sand-cleaning species.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Due to their digging nature and large adult size, Orange-Spotted Sleeper Gobies require a spacious tank with a deep sand bed.
• Minimum tank size: 150L+ (200L+ recommended for pairs)
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate to strong
• Filtration: Good-quality filtration and regular water changes to maintain stable water conditions.
A fine sand substrate (2-3 inches deep) is essential, as these gobies rely on sand-sifting for food and shelter.
⚠ A secure lid is recommended, as these gobies are known jumpers when startled or if tank conditions are not ideal.
Diet and Feeding
Despite their constant sand-sifting, Orange-Spotted Sleeper Gobies require a protein-rich diet to stay healthy.
Recommended foods include:
• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp – Their primary diet in captivity.
• High-quality sinking marine pellets and flakes – Enriched formulas work best.
• Finely chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, or fish) – Occasional treats.
• Live foods (copepods, amphipods, or blackworms) – Encourages natural feeding behavior.
Feed twice daily, ensuring they receive enough food, as they may struggle in tanks without an established sand bed.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Orange-Spotted Sleeper Gobies are peaceful but can be territorial toward other gobies. They do well with:
✔ Clownfish, Firefish, Blennies, Fairy Wrasses, and Tangs.
✔ Other peaceful reef fish, provided they do not compete for sand territory.
✔ Reef-safe invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and crabs.
Avoid housing with:
❌ Other sand-sifting gobies, unless in a very large tank with multiple sand territories.
❌ Overly aggressive fish, such as large Wrasses, Triggerfish, and Dottybacks, which may harass them.
❌ Fast-feeding fish, as these gobies require slower, bottom-feeding conditions.
If keeping a mated pair, introduce them at the same time to prevent territorial disputes.
Burrowing and Sand-Sifting Behavior
One of the biggest benefits of keeping an Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby is its continuous sand-cleaning activity:
• Prevents waste buildup and anaerobic gas pockets in the substrate.
• Removes detritus and uneaten food, keeping the sand fresh and oxygenated.
• Rearranges the sand bed daily, creating natural-looking mounds and burrows.
⚠ However, their constant digging can be a challenge if corals or live rock are placed too close to the substrate.
To prevent issues from burrowing:
✔ Secure all rocks and corals firmly to prevent collapse.
✔ Place corals on raised structures or frag racks to avoid being buried.
✔ Monitor for excessive sand movement, as they may cloud the water temporarily.
Health and Disease Considerations
Orange-Spotted Sleeper Gobies are generally hardy, but they can be prone to:
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – Often caused by stress or poor water conditions.
• Bacterial infections – Usually due to injuries from digging near sharp rocks.
• Malnutrition – Ensure they get enough supplemental food, as they cannot survive on sand-sifting alone.
To maintain their health:
✔ Provide a varied diet rich in protein and vitamins.
✔ Ensure stable water parameters with good filtration.
✔ Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Orange-Spotted Sleeper Gobies can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. Their sand-cleaning benefits, peaceful nature, and fascinating burrowing behavior make them a valuable addition to reef tanks.
Why Choose an Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby?
✔ One of the best natural sand-sifters, keeping the substrate aerated and clean.
✔ Bright orange markings with an elegant, elongated body – Visually stunning.
✔ Pairs well with peaceful tank mates, making them ideal for community tanks.
✔ Hardy and adaptable, making them great for beginner and experienced aquarists.
✔ Can live long lives, up to 7 years in captivity.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying an Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby:
🚫 Constantly moves sand, which may cloud the water and bury corals.
🚫 Requires a deep sand bed – A shallow substrate may not allow proper burrowing.
🚫 May jump out of open tanks – A secure lid is highly recommended.