Common name: Sixspot goby

Care

Sixspot Gobies are sand sifters, playing a crucial role in the health of the aquarium by aerating the sand bed and consuming 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 can be sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes and stable conditions are essential.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Sixspot Gobies may spawn if they are kept in a pair and the environment is stable. They lay their eggs in burrows or on the glass, and the male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. Breeding them in captivity can be challenging due to the need for precise water conditions and the difficulty in raising the larvae.

Symbiosis

While not known for a specific symbiotic relationship like clownfish with anemones, Sixspot Gobies do engage in a mutualistic relationship with the aquarium's microfauna, as their sand sifting behavior helps to keep the sand clean and oxygenated, benefiting other inhabitants.

Habitat

Valenciennea sexguttata is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They inhabit shallow lagoons and coastal reefs, often burrowing in sandy substrates.