Common name: Twostripe goby
General information
The Sleeper Bluehead Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea helsdingenii, is a fascinating and attractive species for marine aquariums. This goby is known for its peaceful demeanor and striking appearance, with a pale body and a distinctive blue head. It is a member of the family Gobiidae, which includes some of the most diverse and adaptable fish species in the marine realm.
Details
- Recommended minimum volume
- 150 liter (40 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 14 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a sand bed for burrowing
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp, and algae
- Social
- Pair Pairs are harmonious; avoid groups
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful Non-aggressive towards tankmates
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusSleeper GobiesValenciennea
- SpeciesTwostripe gobyValenciennea helsdingenii (Bleeker, 1858)
- Synonyms? helsdingenii Bleeker, 1858Calleleotris helsdingenii (Bleeker, 1858)Eleotriodes helsdingeni Bleeker, 1858Valenciennesia helsdingenii (Bleeker, 1858)
Care
Sleeper Bluehead Gobies are sand sifters, playing a beneficial role in the aquarium by aerating the substrate and helping to control detritus and uneaten food. They require an aquarium with a thick sand bed and plenty of live rock for hiding. These gobies are generally hardy, but they do best in a stable, mature aquarium with consistent water quality. They are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of tank mates.
Reproduction
In the wild, Valenciennea helsdingenii are known to form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. In the aquarium, breeding is less common, but with the right conditions, a pair may spawn. The gobies lay their eggs in burrows or protected areas within the substrate.
Symbiosis
While not known for a specific symbiotic relationship like clownfish and anemones, Sleeper Bluehead Gobies do play an important role in the ecosystem of a reef tank by maintaining the sand bed and indirectly benefiting other inhabitants.
Habitat
Valenciennea helsdingenii is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit sandy areas and seagrass beds adjacent to coral reefs, often at depths of up to 30 meters.