Goby | Diamond Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea puellaris)

The Diamond Sleeper Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea puellaris, is a peaceful, hardworking sand-sifting goby prized for its ability to clean and aerate sandy substrates. As it feeds, this goby scoops up mouthfuls of sand, filtering out food particles and microfauna before expelling clean sand through its gills.

With its white body covered in diamond-like markings, this species adds subtle beauty while performing an important functional role in reef and marine aquariums. Diamond Sleeper Gobies are best suited for established tanks with live sand and plenty of natural food sources.

⚠️ Requires a mature tank with sufficient sand bed and microfauna.

Key Characteristics

Excellent sand sifter and substrate cleaner
Peaceful temperament
Reef-safe
Striking diamond-patterned body
Active bottom-dwelling behavior

Care Requirements

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Adult Size: ~6 inches
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum (larger preferred)
• Temperature: 7480°F
• pH: 8.18.4
• Salinity: 1.0231.025
• Diet: Carnivore/Omnivore (frozen foods, pellets, live foods)

🐟 Supplemental feeding is important once natural food sources are depleted.

Tank Setup Recommendations

• Established aquarium (6+ months preferred)
• Fine sand substrate (essential)
• Live rock for grazing & shelter
• Tight-fitting lid (can jump)
• Moderate water flow

💡 Avoid sharp or coarse substrates that can damage gills.

Tank Compatibility

Good Tankmates:

• Peaceful reef fish
• Clownfish
• Tangs
• Wrasses
• Other non-aggressive gobies

Avoid:

• Aggressive or territorial fish
• Other sand-sifting gobies in small tanks

Reef Compatibility

Reef-safe
Safe with corals
May disturb loosely placed frags due to sand movement

Ideal For

• Reef aquariums with sand beds
• Natural substrate maintenance
• Peaceful marine communities
• Aquarists with established tanks

Product Details

• Common Name: Diamond Sleeper Goby
• Scientific Name: Valenciennea puellaris
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Aquarium Type: Saltwater / Reef
• Diet: Carnivore/Omnivore
• Temperament: Peaceful

FAQs Diamond Sleeper Goby

Q: Does the Diamond Sleeper Goby eat algae?
A: It primarily consumes small organisms and leftover food from the sand, not algae.

Q: Is it good for new tanks?
A: No. It requires a mature tank with established sand fauna.

Q: Will it bury corals?
A: It can shift sandsecure corals and frags properly.

Q: Does it need supplemental feeding?
A: Yes, especially in smaller or cleaner tanks.

Q: Is it aggressive?
A: No. It is peaceful toward most tankmates.

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