Sleeper Blue Dot Goby

Also known as the Blue-Spotted Sleeper Goby or Dotty Sleeper Goby. 

The Sleeper Blue Dot Goby is a small, peaceful reef fish featuring a pale body dotted with vibrant blue spots. This bottom-dwelling goby prefers to rest in sandy areas, rubble, or crevices, often staying close to its chosen shelter. Its calm temperament, striking coloration, and adaptability to nano and small reef tanks make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Valenciennea sexguttata
Common Names: Sleeper Blue Dot Goby, Blue-Spotted Sleeper Goby, Dotty Sleeper Goby
Adult Size: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm)
Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
Temperament: Peaceful, shy, bottom-dwelling
Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Sleeper Blue Dot Gobies are native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in sandy or rubble areas near coral reefs. They often select small burrows or crevices for shelter and protection.

Tank Environment:

• Provide a sandy substrate for burrowing and resting
• Include rockwork, caves, and crevices for hiding
• Moderate water flow with stable, mature tank conditions
• Use a secure lid, as gobies may jump when startled

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Sleeper Blue Dot Gobies are carnivorous and feed on small invertebrates and microfauna in the wild. In aquariums, they adapt well to finely chopped meaty foods and small sinking preparations.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and small zooplankton
• Finely chopped marine meats
• Small sinking pellets or micro-flakes for carnivores

Feeding Schedule:
Feed 1–2 times a day in small portions. Ensure food reaches the substrate, as they can be outcompeted by faster mid-water swimmers.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Sleeper Blue Dot Goby is peaceful, timid, and spends most of its time near the bottom, often resting in sand or crevices. They are non-aggressive and thrive in calm community reef tanks.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful fish such as clownfish, dartfish, firefish, blennies, and other small gobies
• Avoid large or aggressive species
• Fully reef-safe and compatible with most invertebrates

Breeding Potential

These gobies may form pairs and lay eggs in sand or protected crevices. Males usually guard the eggs until they hatch. Successful breeding in home aquariums is rare due to the delicate nature of larvae and specialized care requirements.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Sleeper Blue Dot Goby is quarantined for several weeks. They are closely monitored for parasites, treated proactively if needed, and conditioned to accept a variety of prepared foods. This ensures they arrive healthy, stable, and ready to thrive in your reef aquarium.