IntermediatePeacefulReef Safe

Diamond Goby

Valenciennea puellaris

Family: Gobiidae · Gobies

Also known as: Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby, Maiden Goby, Pretty Prawn Goby, Diamond Watchman Goby

Max Size

Min Tank

55 gal

Lifespan

3-8 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Red Sea

Diet

Carnivore

Swims

Bottom

About

The Diamond Goby is a popular sand-sifting species prized for its attractive appearance and valuable substrate-maintenance behavior. Its elongated body features a white to light gray base adorned with rows of vivid orange diamond-shaped spots that extend from head to tail, creating a distinctive and eye-catching pattern. This species is the most commonly kept sand-sifting goby in the reef aquarium hobby.

The primary appeal of the Diamond Goby beyond its beauty is its tireless sand-sifting behavior. It constantly scoops mouthfuls of sand, filtering out tiny organisms and detritus before expelling the clean sand through its gills. This behavior keeps the sand bed aerated, clean, and free of detritus buildup, providing a genuine maintenance benefit to the aquarium. The goby also constructs and maintains a burrow in the substrate for shelter.

The Diamond Goby requires a mature aquarium with an established sand bed rich in microfauna. In newly set up tanks or those with limited sand bed life, the goby may struggle to find sufficient natural food and can become emaciated. Supplemental feeding with frozen foods targeted near the sand is important. A tight-fitting lid or screen top is essential, as this species is a notorious jumper. Its peaceful nature and functional sand-sifting make it a valued addition to reef aquariums of appropriate size.

Feeding & Diet

Carnivore

Diamond Gobies are carnivores that filter tiny invertebrates and organic matter from the sand. In captivity, supplement their natural sand-sifting diet with frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood directed toward the substrate. Ensure sufficient sand bed fauna in mature tanks. Feed two to three times daily, targeting food near the goby.

Compatibility

reef-safepeacefulsand-siftercommunity-safesubstrate-maintenance

The Diamond Goby is very peaceful and compatible with most community reef fish. It may be territorial toward other sand-sifting gobies if space is limited. Best kept singly or as a mated pair. Compatible with clownfish, tangs, wrasses, blennies, and other peaceful species. Completely reef-safe but may bury frags placed on the sand.

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Breeding

Difficult

Diamond Gobies can form pairs and spawn in captivity. Eggs are deposited in the burrow and guarded by both parents. Larvae are planktonic and very small. Home breeding has been achieved rarely and requires specialized larval rearing techniques.