Reeflings

Common name: Mural Goby

Scientific name: Valenciennea muralis (Valenciennes, 1837)

General Information

The Mural Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea muralis, is a popular choice among aquarists looking for a unique and functional addition to their marine aquariums. This species is renowned for its fascinating behavior and beneficial role in maintaining the cleanliness of the aquarium substrate. With its elongated body and distinctive coloration, the Mural Goby is not only a hardworking member of the tank but also a visually appealing one.

In the wild, these gobies are found in sandy and rubble areas of coral reefs, where they play a crucial role in the ecosystem by sifting through sand to find food, thereby aerating the substrate and preventing the buildup of detritus. This natural behavior makes them an asset in the home aquarium as well.

Details

Estimated price
Affordable
Recommended minimum volume
100 liter (26 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8 to 8.5
Average size
15 cm (6″)
Care level
Easy
Diet
Carnivore Feeds on small invertebrates and microorganisms in the sand
Social
Solo Best kept singly or as a mated pair due to territorial tendencies
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful Generally peaceful, but can be territorial with conspecifics
Captive bred
No
Conservation status
ExtinctThreatenedLeastConcern

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Goby
    Gobiidae
  6. Genus
    Sleeper Gobies
    Valenciennea
  7. Species
    Mural Goby
    Valenciennea muralis (Valenciennes, 1837)
  8. Synonyms
    Eleotriodes muralis (Valenciennes, 1837)
    Eleotris lineata Castelnau, 1875
    Eleotris muralis Valenciennes, 1837
    Eleotris nigrifilis Ogilby, 1897
    Eleotris trabeatus Richardson, 1843
    Eleotroides muralis (Valenciennes, 1837)
    Valencienna muralis (Valenciennes, 1837)
    Valenciennea aruensis Ogilby, 1910
  9. Source: GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information Facility

Care

The Mural Goby is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for aquarists of all experience levels. They require a well-established aquarium with a sandy substrate that allows them to exhibit their natural sand-sifting behavior. A tank with plenty of live rock and hiding spots will help them feel secure and encourage natural behaviors.

They are best kept in tanks of at least 100 liters (26 gallons) to allow sufficient space for their activities. It's important to maintain stable water parameters and ensure the substrate is deep enough for them to sift through comfortably.

Diet and Feeding

Mural Gobies are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and microorganisms within the sand. In captivity, their diet can be supplemented with high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other marine-based proteins. Offering a variety of foods will ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

Feeding should occur once or twice a day, providing only as much food as they can consume within a few minutes. This helps maintain water quality and prevents overfeeding.

Behavior and Compatibility

The Mural Goby is generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other reef-safe fish and invertebrates. They are excellent community fish and do not pose a threat to corals or other tank inhabitants. However, they may become territorial with conspecifics or similar species, so it's best to keep them singly or as a mated pair.

Their sand-sifting behavior is not only beneficial for the tank's cleanliness but also interesting to observe as they interact with their environment.

Health and Common Issues

Mural Gobies are hardy but can be susceptible to common marine diseases if water quality is not maintained. Ensuring a balanced diet and stable water conditions will help prevent health issues.

When selecting a Mural Goby, look for active individuals with clear eyes and vibrant coloration. Avoid fish that appear lethargic or have visible signs of disease.

Habitat

In the wild, Valenciennea muralis is found in the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting sandy and rubble areas of coral reefs. They are typically found at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters. Replicating these conditions in the home aquarium, with a sandy substrate and plenty of live rock, will help them thrive.