Diamond Goby

Also known as Diamond Watchman Goby, Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby, Maiden Goby, Pretty Prawn Goby

The Diamond Goby is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling sand-sifting fish that spends most of its time buried or sifting through sand searching for small food particles. Its white body with orange or yellow-spotted markings makes it distinctive and attractive. They are hardy, easy to care for, and provide a useful function in aquariums by aerating the substrate and reducing detritus. Diamond Gobies are ideal for both beginner and intermediate hobbyists and are comfortable in a variety of marine tank setups.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Valenciennea puellaris
• Common Names: Diamond Goby, Diamond Watchman Goby, Orange-Spotted Sleeper Goby, Maiden Goby, Pretty Prawn Goby
• Adult Size: Up to 6 inches (≈ 15 cm)
• Lifespan: About 5 years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful; bottom-dweller; active sand-sifter
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe; does not harm corals or invertebrates
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons recommended due to size and sand-sifting behavior
• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate — hardy but requires proper substrate and stable conditions

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Diamond Gobies are native to the Indo-Pacific region, typically found in sandy lagoons, reef flats, and sandy bottoms near coral reefs. They burrow in the sand to search for food and shelter.

Tank Environment:

• Use fine sand substrate at least 2.5–3 inches deep to allow natural burrowing and sifting behavior
• Provide open sandy bottom space with scattered rockwork for shelter, avoiding over-compacted structures to prevent collapse
• Gentle to moderate water flow with stable filtration
• Suitable for single goby or bonded pairs; avoid keeping multiple individuals in the same tank if space is limited

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

Essential Equipment:

• Efficient filtration system
• Stable moderate lighting
• Quality protein skimmer recommended for tanks over 30 gallons
• Regular water changes (10–15% weekly or 20% biweekly)

Diet & Feeding

Diamond Gobies are carnivorous sand-sifters that feed on tiny invertebrates, microfauna, and organic particles in the substrate. They do not eat only algae and require a diet that mimics their natural feeding behavior.

Recommended Foods:

• Pellets/Flakes: High-quality marine micro-pellets
• Frozen Foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods
• Small live benthic invertebrates
• Prepared mixes: Omnivore-enriched frozen options

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 small meals daily
• Place food near the sand bed so goby can find it during sifting
• Variety in diet helps maintain vibrant coloration, health, and activity

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Diamond Gobies are peaceful and shy. They spend most of their time partially buried in sand, emerging occasionally to sift substrate for food. They are generally compatible with other peaceful reef fish, invertebrates, and corals.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful mid- and top-dwelling fish
• Avoid other aggressive sand-sifters or large predatory species
• Best kept singly or in bonded pairs due to territorial behavior toward their own kind

Pairing Behavior: Diamond Gobies may form pairs and maintain small burrows together. Multiple gobies in the same tank may compete for space if the tank is not large enough.

Acclimation & Care Tips

Initial Acclimation: Use drip acclimation over 45–60 minutes to minimize stress. Float bag in tank to equalize temperature for 15–20 minutes before introduction.

Health Considerations: Diamond Gobies are hardy but can be susceptible to marine ich and other common parasites if stressed. Captive-bred specimens adapt more easily to prepared foods and tank conditions.

Signs of Healthy Specimen

• Active, consistent sand-sifting behavior
• Clear, bright eyes with no cloudiness
• Smooth fins with no tears or damage
• Vibrant orange/yellow spots with consistent body coloration
• Eager feeding response

Color & Development

Coloration Characteristics: White body with bright orange or yellow spots along dorsal and lateral regions. Fins are semi-transparent with subtle markings.

Color Intensity: High-quality diet and stable water parameters enhance spot brightness and body contrast. Stress or poor water quality may cause fading.

Size & Growth: Juveniles start at 1–2 inches, reaching adult size of up to 6 inches within 12–18 months.

Anemone Hosting Behavior

Diamond Gobies do not host anemones. They are substrate-dwelling species and interact primarily with sand, rocks, and microfauna.

Special Considerations

Quarantine: All Diamond Gobies should undergo quarantine to monitor for stress, disease, or parasites. Quarantined fish are better acclimated to prepared foods and safer for established aquariums.

Captive-Bred Advantages:

• Hardier than wild-caught specimens
• Conditioned to aquarium foods
• Adapted to captive conditions
• Reduces impact on wild populations

Breeding Potential

Diamond Gobies can breed in captivity under ideal conditions with deep sand substrate and a stable tank environment. They form pairs and guard small burrows in the sand. Breeding and raising fry is challenging as fry requires tiny live foods and stable water parameters.

Why Choose a Quarantined Diamond Goby?

A quarantined Diamond Goby is already acclimated to aquarium life, free from parasites, and trained to accept a variety of foods. This ensures better survival, quicker adaptation to your tank, and overall healthier behavior. Choosing a quarantined specimen provides a hardy, active sand-sifter that improves substrate cleanliness and adds dynamic activity to your marine or reef setup.