Tiger Sleeper Goby

Tiger Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea wardii): Sand‑sifting goby with bold tiger‑striped patterning along a pale body Typically reaches 5–6 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 Indo‑Pacific, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia Found in sandy flats, rubble zones, and shallow reef slopes 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 Attractive tiger‑striped pattern Excellent sand‑cleaning utility Active but gentle personality Great addition to reef tanks needing substrate maintenance