Sleeper Banded Goby - Amblygobius phalaena (Captive Bred)
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The Sleeper Banded Goby (Amblygobius phalaena) is a hardy and personable sand-sifting goby recognized for its mottled brown and cream coloration and bold, expressive eyes. Constantly working the substrate, this peaceful species helps keep sandy bottoms clean while adding natural behavior and movement to reef aquariums.
Common Name: Sleeper Banded Goby
Scientific Name: Amblygobius phalaena
Family: Gobiidae
Size: Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Temperament: Peaceful
Difficulty: Easy
Native Region: Found throughout the Indo-Pacific, inhabiting sandy lagoons and reef flats where it sifts substrate for food near burrows and rockwork.
Reef Safe: Yes
Tank Size: Minimum of 30 gallons
Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.025
Substrate: Fine sand is essential for natural sifting behavior; provide rockwork for shelter and perching.
• Sand Sifting: Actively aerates and cleans the substrate while searching for food.
• Diet: Omnivorous—accepts frozen mysis, brine shrimp, pellets, and food particles sifted from sand.
• Behavior: Peaceful and hardy; may rearrange sand around rock bases.
• Tankmates: Compatible with most peaceful reef fish; avoid aggressive bottom dwellers that compete for territory.