Common name: Parva goby
General information
The Golden-Head Sleeper Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea parva, is a small, peaceful fish that is well-suited for reef aquariums. It is known for its distinctive golden-yellow head and blue bands that run across its white body. This species is appreciated for its sand-sifting behavior, which helps to aerate and clean the substrate in the aquarium.
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
- 12 cm (5″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sensitive to poor water quality.
- Diet
- Detritivore Enjoys a varied diet in captivity.
- Social
- Pair Pairs bond strongly.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusSleeper GobiesValenciennea
- SpeciesParva gobyValenciennea parva Hoese & Larson, 1994
Care
Golden-Head Sleeper Gobies require an aquarium with a sandy bottom where they can perform their natural sifting behavior. They are generally hardy but can be sensitive to poor water quality, so regular maintenance is crucial. They are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of tank mates. A varied diet of meaty foods and marine pellets will keep them healthy and active.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, Valenciennea parva may spawn if kept in a pair and provided with the right conditions. They lay their eggs in burrows and exhibit parental care, with the male guarding the eggs until they hatch.
Habitat
Valenciennea parva is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit sandy areas and seagrass beds of lagoons and coastal reefs, often at depths where light is sufficient for seagrass growth.