Amblygobius phalaena (Banded Sleeper Goby / Bullet Goby)
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ✅ Yes
• Coral safe: ✅ Yes, but may disturb sand near corals when sifting.
• Minimum tank size: 150L+ (preferably 200L+ for pairs or groups)
• Adult size: ~15 cm (6 inches)
• Diet: Carnivorous / Omnivorous (marine pellets, frozen mysis/brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, algae)
• Be aware of: Constantly sifts and moves sand, which can cause cloudy water or disturb corals placed too close to the substrate. Can become territorial toward similar goby species.
Banded Sleeper Goby (Amblygobius phalaena) – A Hardy Sand-Sifting Goby
The Banded Sleeper Goby, also known as the Bullet Goby, is a highly beneficial species for reef tanks, helping to aerate and clean the substrate by constantly sifting through sand for food. Its distinctive banded pattern, hardy nature, and practical role make it a great choice for larger aquariums with ample sand bed space. While generally peaceful, it may become territorial toward other bottom-dwelling gobies if not provided with enough space.
Appearance and Coloration
The Banded Sleeper Goby has a subtle yet attractive appearance, featuring:
• A light tan to creamy white body with dark brown horizontal bands running from head to tail.
• A faint iridescent blue streak on the head and face, adding a bit of color.
• A rounded, thick-bodied shape, well-adapted for sifting sand.
• Large, expressive eyes and a downward-facing mouth, ideal for scooping up substrate.
While not as brightly colored as other goby species, its interesting behavior and practical benefits make it a valued addition to reef tanks.
Natural Habitat and Behaviour
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Banded Sleeper Gobies are found in sandy lagoon reefs and rubble zones, where they:
• Continuously sift through sand, filtering out small invertebrates, detritus, and algae.
• Dig small burrows under rocks, using them as shelter.
• Live in monogamous pairs, defending their sandy territory.
• Use their large mouths to scoop up sand, passing it through their gill openings after extracting edible material.
In captivity, they will perform the same sand-sifting behavior, helping keep the substrate clean and aerated.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
Due to their burrowing and sand-sifting habits, Banded Sleeper Gobies require a spacious tank with a deep sand bed.
• Minimum tank size: 150L+ (200L+ recommended for pairs or larger tanks)
• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025
• Water movement: Moderate
• Filtration: Good filtration and regular water changes to prevent cloudiness from disturbed sand.
A fine to medium-grain sand bed (at least 2-3 inches deep) is recommended to allow for natural sifting behavior. Avoid coarse gravel or sharp substrate, as it may damage their delicate mouths and gills.
Diet and Feeding
Although Banded Sleeper Gobies get some nutrition from sand-dwelling microorganisms, they must be supplemented with a varied diet to stay healthy.
Recommended foods include:
• Frozen mysis and brine shrimp – Their primary diet in captivity.
• High-quality marine pellets and flakes – Small sinking pellets are ideal.
• Finely chopped seafood (shrimp, squid, or fish) – Occasional protein-rich treats.
• Algae-based foods or spirulina – Supports digestion and immune function.
Feed twice daily, ensuring enough food reaches them before other fish consume it. Monitor their weight, as they can sometimes become malnourished if relying solely on sand-sifting.
Compatibility and Tank Mates
Banded Sleeper Gobies are peaceful but may become territorial toward other bottom-dwelling gobies. They do well with:
✔ Clownfish, Firefish, Blennies, Fairy Wrasses, and Tangs.
✔ Peaceful invertebrates, including shrimp, snails, and crabs.
✔ Coral reef tanks, provided corals are not placed too close to the sand.
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 species, as Banded Sleeper Gobies are slow eaters and may struggle to compete for food.
If keeping a mated pair, introduce them at the same time to minimize territorial disputes.
Burrowing and Sand-Sifting Behavior
One of the biggest advantages of keeping a Banded Sleeper Goby is its constant sand-cleaning activity:
• Prevents waste buildup and compaction in the substrate.
• Increases oxygenation in the sand bed, reducing harmful gas pockets.
• Removes detritus and uneaten food, contributing to better tank health.
However, their digging can sometimes create cloudy water and bury low-lying corals, so be mindful when placing corals near the sand bed.
Health and Disease Considerations
Banded Sleeper Gobies are hardy, but they can be prone to:
• Marine Ich (Cryptocaryon irritans) – Often caused by stress or poor water quality.
• Bacterial infections – Due to injuries from aggressive tank mates or rough substrate.
• 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 marine algae.
✔ Ensure stable water parameters and avoid large fluctuations.
✔ Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank.
Lifespan and Long-Term Care
With proper care, Banded Sleeper Gobies can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. Their active sand-sifting behavior, beneficial role, and peaceful nature make them a valuable addition to reef aquariums.
Why Choose a Banded Sleeper Goby?
✔ Excellent sand sifter, keeping the substrate clean and oxygenated.
✔ Peaceful and reef-safe, making it ideal for community tanks.
✔ Hardy and adaptable, making them great for beginner and experienced aquarists.
✔ Fascinating burrowing behavior, constantly reshaping the sand.
✔ Pairs well with other peaceful fish and invertebrates.
⚠ Important Considerations Before Buying a Banded Sleeper Goby:
🚫 Constantly moves sand, which may cloud the water and bury corals.
🚫 Needs a fine, deep sand bed for natural feeding and burrowing.
🚫 May become territorial toward other sand-dwelling gobies.