Common name: Maiden goby
General information
The Diamond Watchman Goby, Valenciennea puellaris, is a popular sand-sifting fish known for its distinctive diamond-shaped markings and ability to keep the substrate clean. This species is appreciated for its peaceful nature and interesting behavior. It is often seen perched on rocks or burrowing in the sand, which can be quite entertaining to watch.
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
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Sifts sand for food
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys varied diet, incl. frozen
- Social
- Pair Pairs are harmonious
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusSleeper GobiesValenciennea
- SpeciesMaiden gobyValenciennea puellaris (Tomiyama, 1956)
- SynonymsEleotriodes puellaris Tomiyama, 1956Eleotrioides puellaris Tomiyama, 1956Valencienea puellaris (Tomiyama, 1956)Valencienna puellaris (Tomiyama, 1956)
Care
Diamond Watchman Gobies are relatively easy to care for but require a well-established aquarium with a thick sand bed for burrowing and sifting. They are hardy fish that adapt well to life in captivity if provided with the right environment. A varied diet of meaty foods and specialized preparations for sand-sifting gobies will help maintain their health and energy levels.
Reproduction
In the aquarium, breeding Diamond Watchman Gobies can be challenging. They are monogamous and form pairs. If a pair is established, they may spawn in the safety of their burrow. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.
Symbiosis
While not involved in the classic symbiotic relationships like those of clownfish and anemones, Diamond Watchman Gobies do play an important role in the ecosystem of a reef tank. Their sand-sifting behavior helps to aerate the substrate and prevent the buildup of detritus, which can benefit other tank inhabitants by maintaining better water quality.
Habitat
Diamond Watchman Gobies are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit shallow lagoons and coastal reefs, often in areas with sandy substrates where they can burrow and sift through the sand for food.