Common name: Ward's sleeper
General information
Ward's Sleeper Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea wardii, is a fascinating and peaceful fish that makes a great addition to many saltwater aquariums. They are known for their distinctive tiger-like stripes and the ability to sift through sand, which helps to keep the substrate clean and aerated.
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 Needs a sand bed for burrowing
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys a mix of meaty foods and algae
- Social
- Pair Pairs are harmonious; may fight others
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyGobyGobiidae
- GenusSleeper GobiesValenciennea
- SpeciesWard's sleeperValenciennea wardii (Playfair, 1867)
- Synonyms? wardi Playfair, 1867Calleleotris wardi (Playfair, 1867)Eleotris ellioti Day, 1888Eleotris wardii Playfair, 1867Eleotroides wardi (Playfair, 1867)Valencienna wardii (Playfair, 1867)Valenciennea nigromaculata Herre, 1932Valenciennea phaeochalina Tanaka, 1917
Care
Ward's Sleeper Goby requires an aquarium with a sandy bottom where it can perform its natural sifting behavior. They are generally hardy but can be sensitive to poor water quality, so regular water changes and a well-maintained filtration system are essential. They are not aggressive towards other tank mates and can be kept with a variety of fish and invertebrates.
Reproduction
In the home aquarium, breeding Ward's Sleeper Goby can be a challenge. They are not commonly bred in captivity, and little is known about their breeding habits in the wild. However, they are thought to form monogamous pairs and lay eggs in burrows.
Habitat
Ward's Sleeper Goby is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to Samoa, and north to the Ryukyu Islands. They typically inhabit sandy and rubble substrates in lagoons and coastal reefs, often at depths of 1 to 30 meters.