Gold Head Sleeper Goby - Medium
The Gold Head Sleeper Goby is an attractive fish which plays an important role in cleaning substrate.
Gold Head Sleeper Goby
Distinguishing features include a yellow-gold head, with a blue stripe under its eye. Its body is a pale grey colour with translucent fins.
The Gold Head Sleeper Goby has a peaceful temperament but may show aggression to members of its own species except for their mate.
Gold Headed Sleeper Gobies are monogamous and breed in distinct pairs. Paired males and females impose monogamy by guarding each other against potential mates.
Females spawn every 13 days. The eggs are deposited in a burrow which the male guards for 2-3 days.
Normally spotted in pairs, they don’t move too far away from their burrow. They will sift the sand nearby to feed on small invertebrates, fish, and fish eggs.
The natural location for this species is around seaward reefs and lagoons. They are usually found at depths of 1-6 meters although they have been recorded as deep as 24 meters. Adults normally reach a length of 5 ½ inches (14 centimeters). The natural environment for this species is the Indo-Pacific region, including Africa, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Fiji.
Tank Recommendations for the Gold Head Sleeper Goby
The smallest recommended tank size is 30 gallons (113.5 liters).
Gold Head Sleeper Gobies are suitable for reef and fish-only aquariums. They need live sand substrate and it is preferable to attach a populated refugium.
This species can jump so a well-sealed cover is recommended.
Suitable Tank Buddies
Gold head Sleeper Gobies are peaceful fish who rarely show aggression to other tank mates.
There may be some aggression shown to similar species and conspecifics, but they can co-habit as mated pairs.
Usually Compatible
Suitable tank buddies include Dwarf Angels, Anthias, Blennies, Clownfish, Dragonets, Filefish, Hawkfish, Pseudochromis, Tangs/Surgeons, and reef-safe Wrasse.
Sometime Compatible
Caution is advised with conspecifics, Large Angels, Grunts/Sweetlips, Hogfish, Parrots, Seaghorse/Pipefish, Squirrelfish, Triggers, and fish-only Wrasse.
Rarely Compatible
Avoid housing with Anglers/Frogfish, Eels, Groupers, Lions/Scorpions, and Sharks/Rays.
Gold Head Sleeper Gobies are effective at cleaning substrate and make an interesting addition to a tank community.
Feeding Your Gold Head Sleeper Goby
Gold Head Sleeper Gobies are Carnivores. A suitable diet should include brine shrimp, live black worms, krill mysis, and carnivorous food preparations.
Scientific Name | Valencienna Strigata |
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Care Level | Moderate |
Common Names | Gold Head Sleeper Goby, Golden Head Sleeper, Pennant Glider, and Bluestreak, Blueband, or Yellowheaded Sleeper Goby |
Diet | Carnivore |
Fish Family | Gobiidae |
Lifespan (years) | 1 |
Max. Length (cm) | 14 |
Min. Tank Volume (l) | 114 |
Origin | Indo-Pacific region, including Afria, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Fiji |
Reef Safe | Yes |
Sociability | Peaceful |
Venomous | No |
Water Conditions | 22.2-25.5° C (72-78° F), dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 |