Common name: Yellow filament goby
General information
The Valenciennea Bella Goby, also known as the Beautiful Prawn Goby or Bella Sleeper Goby, is a striking fish species appreciated for its vibrant coloration and unique behavior. This species is a member of the Gobiidae family, which is known for its diversity and the interesting relationships many gobies form with other marine organisms.
Valenciennea Bella is characterized by its white body with orange to red stripes and spots, which provide excellent camouflage against the sandy bottoms they inhabit. They are relatively small, reaching up to 4 inches in length, making them suitable for a variety of tank sizes.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 14 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sifts sand for food, needs a deep bed
- Diet
- Detritivore Enjoys live, frozen, and pellet foods
- Social
- Pair Pairs bond strongly
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusSleeper GobiesValenciennea
- SpeciesYellow filament gobyValenciennea bella Hoese & Larson, 1994
Care
Bella Gobies are considered moderate to care for due to their specific habitat requirements. They thrive in tanks with a sandy substrate that allows them to burrow and create tunnels. These gobies are known for their sand-sifting behavior, which can help keep the substrate clean and aerated. They are peaceful fish that do well in a community tank with other non-aggressive species.
A varied diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood is essential for their health. It's important to ensure that food reaches the bottom of the tank where Bella Gobies feed.
Reproduction
In the wild, Valenciennea Bella Gobies are monogamous and form pairs. They exhibit fascinating courtship behaviors and lay their eggs in burrows. In the aquarium, breeding is possible but challenging due to the need for stable and specific conditions. The fry are delicate and require specialized care.
Symbiosis
One of the most interesting aspects of Valenciennea Bella is their symbiotic relationship with certain species of pistol shrimp, such as those from the genus @species:alpheus. The shrimp and goby share a burrow, with the goby acting as a lookout for predators while the shrimp maintains the structure of the burrow. This mutualistic relationship provides both species with protection and resources.
Habitat
Valenciennea Bella Gobies are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Maldives to the Philippines, and as far south as Australia. They inhabit sandy areas and rubble slopes of lagoons and coastal reefs, often at depths of 1 to 70 meters. Their natural environment is characterized by clear, warm waters with moderate to strong currents.