Reeflings

Common name: Blueband goby

Scientific name: Valenciennea strigata (Broussonet, 1782)
Sleeper Gold Head Goby fish Valenciennea strigataBlueband goby (Valenciennea strigata)
Blueband goby (Valenciennea strigata) filtering sand, close-upValenciennea strigata is a species of fish in the family Gobiidae, the gobies. Its common names include the blueband goby, golden-head sleeper goby, and pennant glider

General information

The Blue-stripe Goby, also known as the Blue-lined Goby or Barber Goby, is a small, peaceful fish that is a favorite among reef aquarium enthusiasts. Valenciennea strigata is known for its distinctive blue stripes that run the length of its white body, making it a visually appealing addition to any tank.

This species is not only admired for its beauty but also for its beneficial role in the aquarium. It is a sand sifter, spending much of its time at the bottom of the tank sifting through the substrate to feed on small organisms. This behavior helps to aerate and clean the sand, which can be very beneficial for the overall health of the aquarium ecosystem.

Details

Recommended minimum volume
75 liter (20 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
Detritivore Eats detritus, needs sandy substrate
Social
Pair Pairs are harmonious
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred
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
    Blueband goby
    Valenciennea strigata (Broussonet, 1782)
  8. Synonyms
    Eleotriodes strigatus (Broussonet, 1782)
    Gobiomorus taiboa Lacepède, 1800
    Gobius strigatus Broussonet, 1782
    Valencienea strigata (Broussonet, 1782)
    Valencienna strigata (Broussonet, 1782)
    Valenciennea strigata arcusbranchiae Fowler, 1946

Care

Blue-stripe Gobies are relatively hardy and are suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with a sandy substrate that allows them to exhibit their natural sifting behavior. These gobies are generally peaceful but can be territorial towards their own kind, so it's best to keep them singly or in mated pairs.

A varied diet of meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, supplemented with high-quality prepared foods, will keep them healthy and maintain their vibrant coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Blue-stripe Gobies are known to form monogamous pairs and spawn within burrows in the substrate. In the aquarium, breeding can occur if a compatible pair is established, and they are provided with the right conditions, including a stress-free environment and proper nutrition.

Habitat

Valenciennea strigata is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit shallow lagoons and reef slopes, often seen at depths where the sand substrate is prevalent. They are a common sight in their natural habitat, darting in and out of burrows and interacting with other reef inhabitants.