Striped Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea strigata) Care Guide:
The Striped Sleeper Goby is a peaceful and active marine fish known for its elongated body, striking horizontal stripes, and sand-sifting behavior. Native to the Indo-Pacific coral reefs, it thrives in well-established saltwater aquariums with a deep sand bed (2–4 inches) and plenty of live rock for hiding and territory. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended to allow adequate swimming and burrowing space. Ideal water parameters include temperatures of 74–80°F (23–27°C), pH 8.1–8.4, and salinity of 1.020–1.025. Striped Sleeper Gobies are carnivorous, feeding on small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and fine sinking pellets, while continuously sifting sand to extract microfauna. They are peaceful, making excellent reef-safe tankmates, though they may defend their burrowed territory against other gobies. Proper substrate depth, stable water conditions, and a varied diet are essential for their health and activity.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Valenciennea strigata |
| Common Name | Striped Sleeper Goby / Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific coral reefs |
| Size | Up to 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Tank Size | Minimum 30 gallons |
| Temperature | 74–80°F (23–27°C) |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| Salinity | 1.020–1.025 specific gravity |
| Diet | Carnivorous – brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, sinking pellets |
| Temperament | Peaceful, territorial around burrow |
| Tank Setup | Deep sand bed, live rock, hiding spots |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years |
| Compatibility | Peaceful reef fish, avoids aggression with other gobies |
