Bella Sleeper Goby

Bella Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea bella): Striking sand‑sifting goby with a white body, vivid orange facial markings, and electric blue striping along the dorsal region Typically reaches 4–5 inches in captivity Constantly aerates and cleans substrate through natural sifting behavior Peaceful, hardy, and excellent for maintaining clean sandbeds Origin & Habitat Native to the Western Pacific, including Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines Found in sandy flats and rubble zones near coral reefs Often seen in pairs maintaining shared burrows Temperament & Reef Safety Peaceful and reef‑safe May become territorial toward other sand‑sifting gobies in smaller tanks Does not harm corals or invertebrates Beneficial for substrate oxygenation and cleanliness Tank Requirements Minimum 40–55 gallons Requires fine to medium sand for natural feeding and burrowing Provide rockwork and caves for security Stable water parameters: 72–78°F, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.023–1.025 Tight lid recommended — occasional jumper when startled Diet Carnivore / micro‑predator Sifts sand for small invertebrates and organic matter Eats mysis shrimp, enriched brine, copepods, and high‑quality sinking pellets Feed 1–2 times daily to supplement natural foraging Compatibility Works well with peaceful reef fish Avoid mixing with other Valenciennea species unless tank is large Safe with corals and most invertebrates Why Hobbyists Love It Elegant coloration and graceful swimming behavior Excellent sand‑cleaning utility Active but gentle personality Great addition to reef tanks needing substrate maintenance