Blueband Goby
(Valenciennea strigata)

Descrição

The common names for *Valenciennea strigata* include “Blueband Goby”, “Golden-Head Sleeper Goby”, “Yellowheaded Sleeper Goby”, “Bluestreak Goby”, and “Pennant Glider”. “Golden-Head Sleeper Goby” or “Yellowheaded Sleeper Goby” appear frequently and describe its appearance, while “Blueband Goby” also is very common. I will use “Golden-Head Sleeper Goby” and “Blueband Goby” in the headline and primary keyword for SEO.

Here’s the data gathered:
* **Common Name:** Golden-Head Sleeper Goby / Blueband Goby
* **Appearance:** Pale greyish body with a bright yellowish head and a curved bluish bar below the eye across the gill cover. Dorsal-fin spines 2-4 are prolonged as filaments.
* **Behavior:** Sand-sifting. They pick up mouthfuls of sand, filter out food, and expel the clean sand through their gills. They are burrow dwellers, creating homes under rocks or in the sand. They can be shy initially. Known to jump from uncovered aquariums. Often seen in monogamous pairs, hovering near their burrow.
* **Maximum Size:** 17-18 cm (7 inches) TL.
* **Origin:** Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Tuamotu Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands (Southern Japan), south to Sydney, Australia, including Lord Howe Island.
* **pH Range:** 8.0 – 8.5. Some sources suggest a salinity range of 1.020-1.026.
* **Temperature:** 22-27°C (72-82°F). Preferred range 25-29.3°C, mean 28.3°C. I will use a conservative and common range of 22-27°C as it’s within the preferred range and covers typical aquarium temperatures.
* **Lifespan:** Data varies. Some sources suggest 1-5 years in the wild. Anecdotal reports in captivity include 2 years, 3 months, and 2+ years. I will state “2-3 years” as a reasonable expectation, acknowledging potential for more.
* **Care Level:** Beginner to Intermediate. Hardy but requires stable tank environment and consistent feeding. Average hardiness. “Experience, preparation and extra care required.” “Recommended for advanced aquarists only” by one source due to food needs and sand bed requirements. This conflict means I should lean towards intermediate, emphasizing the unique feeding and tank requirements.
* **Temperament:** Peaceful; suitable for community tanks. May be territorial towards other sand-dwelling gobies or conspecifics if not a mated pair or in smaller tanks. Best kept as a pair.
* **Compatibility:** Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates, beneficial for substrate. Caution with small shrimp if the goby is very large. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
* **Minimum Tank Size:** 113.5 litres (30 gallons) to 210 litres (46 gallons). Some sources suggest 500L (132 gal) for optimal conditions or at least 250 litres with a deep sand bed. Given their sand-sifting nature and burrowing, a larger tank with ample sand is better. I will use 200L as a compromise between common recommendations and providing sufficient space for their behavior.
* **Tank Essentials:** Fine-grained sand substrate (1-2mm) is crucial for sifting and burrowing. Secure rockwork for burrowing and shelter. A well-sealed lid is necessary to prevent jumping. Well-established tank with microfauna is beneficial.
* **Diet:** Carnivorous. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates and organic matter by sifting sand. Requires frequent feeding (4 or more times a day) of finely chopped fresh or frozen meaty foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, marine fish flesh, scallops, squid, clams). Also takes flake and sinking pellets. Can waste away if not fed sufficiently or if lacking microfauna in the sand bed.

Refinement:
* **Headline:** Focus on common names and key behavior.
* **Overview:** Combine appearance (yellow head, blue bar, pale body) with their unique sand-sifting and burrowing behavior. Mention their active nature.
* **Care Level:** Emphasize intermediate difficulty due to feeding needs and tank requirements. Note peaceful temperament but territoriality towards conspecifics.
* **Tank Essentials:** Highlight deep sand bed, secure rockwork, and lid. Recommend minimum 200L.
* **Diet:** Stress the carnivorous diet and frequent feedings, along with the importance of a mature sand bed.
* **Why Buy From Us:** Standard store advantages.
* **Bullet points:** Populate with precise, verified data.
* **Call-to-action:** Clear and concise.

Word count check during writing.

Golden-Head Sleeper Goby: Your Aquarium’s Sifting Dynamo!

Bring the vibrant activity of a natural reef into your home with the fascinating Golden-Head Sleeper Goby. This industrious sand-sifter is a captivating and beneficial addition to your marine aquarium.

Overview

The Golden-Head Sleeper Goby (*Valenciennea strigata*) is instantly recognizable by its striking bright yellow head and pale, often greyish, body. A distinctive curved blue bar runs beneath its eye to the gill cover. Known for their diligent sand-sifting behavior, these gobies constantly filter the substrate, creating a dynamic and healthy environment. They are active bottom-dwellers, often seen hovering or resting on the sand, and are excellent at keeping your sand bed clean and aerated as they search for food.

Care Level

Considered intermediate in care, the Golden-Head Sleeper Goby is peaceful with most tank mates but can be territorial towards other sand-sifting gobies or conspecifics unless kept as a bonded pair. Success hinges on providing specific environmental and dietary needs. They are a rewarding addition for the dedicated aquarist committed to meeting their unique requirements.

Tank Essentials

A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for a single Golden-Head Sleeper Goby, with larger tanks preferred for pairs. A deep (at least 5-7 cm) bed of fine-grained sand (1-2mm) is crucial for their sifting and burrowing activities. Ensure all rockwork is securely based on the tank bottom, not on the sand, to prevent collapse from their excavations. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as these gobies are known jumpers.

Diet

As carnivores, Golden-Head Sleeper Gobies thrive on a diet of finely chopped meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other frozen marine preparations. They benefit from multiple small feedings throughout the day. A mature sand bed rich in microfauna provides supplemental grazing opportunities, vital for their long-term health.

Why Buy From Us

When you buy Golden-Head Sleeper Goby online from us, you invest in healthy aquarium fish acclimated to captive life. We ensure ethical sourcing and responsible quarantine practices for every specimen, guaranteeing they arrive vibrant and ready to thrive in your carefully prepared marine setup. Our commitment to quality means peace of mind for you and a flourishing home for your new aquatic companion.

• Scientific Name: Valenciennea strigata
• Common Name / Variant: Golden-Head Sleeper Goby / Blueband Goby
• Maximum Size: 18 cm
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• pH Range: 8.0–8.5
• Temperature: 22–27°C
• Lifespan: 2–3 years
• Swimming Zone: Bottom

Add this fascinating sand-sifter to your reef tank today!