Diamond Goby - Valenciennea puellaris
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The Diamond Goby (Valenciennea puellaris), also known as the Diamond Watchman Goby, is an active and fascinating sand-sifting goby recognized for its striking diamond-like scale pattern. Peaceful and hardy, it contributes natural activity and sand turnover in reef and marine aquariums.
Common Name: Diamond Goby, Diamond Watchman Goby
Scientific Name: Valenciennea puellaris
Family: Gobiidae
Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Reef Safe: Yes
Native Region: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Great Barrier Reef, typically inhabiting sandy flats and lagoons near live rock and coral rubble.
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Substrate/Decor: Deep fine sand bed for burrowing and sand-sifting; provide live rock with caves for shelter.
• Diet: Omnivorous—feeds on small meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and microfauna found in the sand, as well as high-quality frozen or pellet foods.
• Behavior: Peaceful; constantly sifts sand to search for food, helping maintain substrate health.
• Tankmates: Compatible with most peaceful reef fish; avoid aggressive gobies or fin-nippers that may stress the fish.
• Care Notes: Benefits from a mature aquarium with a well-established sand bed and plenty of hiding spaces; pairing with a Pistol Shrimp can create a natural symbiotic relationship.