Orange Diamond Goby (Valenciennea puellaris) - April '06 FOTM

Orange Diamond Goby Valenciennea puellaris


Reef Safe: Yes.
Attitude: Peaceful.
Diet: Likes meaty foods. Formula 1 is a big hit. Mysis shrimp.
Care: Easy. The bigger the sand bed the better.

Origin: Sri Lanka.


Personal Observations: These fish were the missing piece of the puzzle in my aquariums. In my old tank and now this one, I had great looking corals and fish, but the sand always had a couple spots with cyano on it no matter what I did. Not anymore, THESE GOBIES ARE MAJOR SAND SIFTERS!

As you can see from the pics below (click to enlarge), my sand is back to being pearly white thanks to these guys.


Look at what they are doing to the hard sand in this photo.






Initially they really stirred things up and debris was flying for a few days. This really stressed me out and I wondered if I made the right decision. I don't wonder anymore. After they made their burrow and got rid of most of the fine debris, things really settled down and my sand looks fantastic. No more algae on it anywhere.

These fish have a lot of character and it's cool to watch them sift sand through their gills. They are peaceful and not skittish of other fish or even people. I was lucky to find a pair as they cruise around together and mimic each others moves. Once I saw them dancing around in a circle. Maybe they will mate.

Why do some discourage buying these?
Some shun these fish because they fear they will eat all their bugs in the sand. Well I never was big on the creepy crawly stuff and I still see tons of pods in the tank on the rocks and such so I don't worry about it. Personally I would rather have these cool fish and perfectly clean sand than bristle worms, etc. Note: They do spit out my snails unharmed. Not sure what they would do with worms.

Feeding:
Yes! Unless you have a huge tank with a mature large sandbed, I would say definitely. They will probably starve otherwise. My tank is not large so I make sure to feed enough that I see them getting some. Initially I buried some food near their burrow and they would dig it out. Now they go right for the food when they smell it in the water so I don't have to do that anymore. Formula 1 is their favorite. They eat mysis shrimp too.

Warning
These fish can be jumpers. I haven't noticed that behavior with the ones I have now, but the one in my old tank definitely was. Take precautions with either a glass top or some egg-crate. At least a lip a couple inches out from the sides would be good.

 

I definitely love what it did to your sand bed!!!I have larger sand/coral base and don't know how well the goby will do with it. Also, I don't like using the glass top because it cuts down on the light intensity. However, I have a Snowflake Morray and Wrasses which tend to jump as well, but have had very good luck thus far, keeping them in my tank. I'd like to try one!! Oh, the other thing is that i'm planning on purchasing Plate Coral(Fungia) which doesn't do well with sediment on it, which would probably happen with a Goby like the one you have.
Great article! thanks

 

I have one and would have anothre if I thought they would get along. They are fish with personality plus. Mine has completely removed the sand from under my live rock and now it is 8" deep in places. They move more sand around than my cucumber. He is an avid feeder who hops on any food I put in the tank. Flake, prime reef, formula one, mysis, brine and even finely chopped shrimp & clams. I saw one in a store almost 6inches long. I wonder if he would get alone with a yellow watchman?

 

These fish are a must to maintain a healthy, clean sand bed. You must have a big tank, not because of the larger sandbed, but to provide space because they do grow large and would not be suitable for anything below 40g.

 

I have one and he is great. After the first few initial days of settlement issue as he was digging, its now clear as ever. Good purchase

 

I didn't read anything about symbiosis with the tiger pistol. Isn't this one of the gobies that does well with pistols? I just got a Tiger pistol and have been hunting about for one of these or a yellow watchman. I'm in Pensacola and the LFS aren't too great here. Example is the pistol cost me $34, but I suppose he was worth it, I bought it. Would have rather given less. I am looking into finding a mail-order reef livestock supplier though. I have been purchasing all my dry good mail-order. 80-100% mark-up locally.

 

I'm thinking about getting a type of goby for my tank. But as it is only 20 gallons, is there a species that anyone can recommend?

 

I have a twinspot that I totally enjoy. He's never jumped, yet that I know of, and he builds these really cool under the sand tunnels. He was really small when I got him and he's not any bigger now, but I've only had him 2 months. I have him in half of a 40 gallon breeder tank. P.S. Great post MATT

 

How about a Green Clown Goby? All the research I've been doing this morning seems to say that it should be a pretty straight forward species to keep. Anyone have any experience with them?

 

Green clown gobies are easy to keep..i have had one for about three months and it has doubled its size..only thing i would recommen is when purchasing ask the lfs person to feed the goby tank and pick the one that is eating.