Orange Spotted Sleeper Goby – Valenciennea puellaris

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Orange Spotted Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea puellaris) is a sand-dwelling reef goby distinguished by its pale body covered with orange spots and dashes, along with attractive blue to turquoise markings around the head and cheeks. The coloration visible in this specimen is consistent with the Pacific form described for the species. FishBase

Native across a broad portion of the Indo-Pacific, V. puellaris occurs from the Red Sea east to Samoa, north to southern Japan, and south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. It is documented from Indonesia and other areas of the western Pacific. Adults inhabit sandy areas of clear lagoons and seaward reefs, generally using shallow burrows beneath pieces of rubble for shelter. FishBase

This species is particularly interesting in an aquarium because of its close association with the substrate. It spends considerable time near the bottom, taking mouthfuls of sand while searching for small food organisms. A mature aquarium with a substantial area of fine sand provides the most appropriate environment for this natural behavior.

Orange Spotted Sleeper Gobies may occur as monogamous pairs in the wild, with both fish using burrows as refuge. FishBase records a maximum size of 20 cm standard length (approximately 7.9 inches), so despite their slender appearance, they should be given adequate bottom area and swimming room. FishBase

This fish is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Valenciennea puellaris (Tomiyama, 1956)
Common Name: Orange Spotted Sleeper Goby
Other Common Names: Orange-Dashed Goby, Maiden Goby
Family: Gobiidae
Availability: Wild Collected – Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 50 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: 20 cm / approximately 7.9 inches standard length FishBase
Diet: Carnivore / benthic microfauna feeder
Temperature: 75–79°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: A mature aquarium with a generous area of fine sand is strongly recommended. This is not simply decorative substrate for this species—the fish naturally inhabits sandy reef environments and uses the substrate extensively as it searches for food. Rockwork should be secure because the fish may excavate beneath or alongside rubble and rocks. FishBase documents wild fish using shallow burrows beneath large pieces of rubble. FishBase

Temperament: Generally peaceful and appropriate for a community of similarly peaceful marine fishes. Wild individuals commonly occur in pairs, and the species is documented as monogamous. FishBase

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible. The species is not a coral predator. Its continual sand-moving activity, however, should be considered when placing corals directly on or very close to the substrate.

Diet and Feeding: This is an important part of successful husbandry. Orange Spotted Sleeper Gobies naturally search the substrate for small food organisms. In captivity, provide a varied diet of appropriately sized meaty marine foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, copepods and suitable sinking prepared foods.

A mature sand bed is beneficial because it provides opportunities for natural foraging. Do not assume that sand sifting alone will provide enough nutrition in an aquarium; the fish should also be observed carefully to ensure it is accepting supplemental foods and maintaining good body condition.

Sand Bed: Essential for normal behavior. Provide fine, aquarium-safe sand with enough open bottom area for sifting and burrowing.

Aquarium Cover: A secure cover is recommended. Gobies can jump, particularly when newly introduced, startled or chased.