Orange Spotted Goby

Also known as the Orange Spotted Sleeper Goby or Orange-Dashed Goby. 

The Orange Spotted Goby is a peaceful sand-sifting species recognized by its pale white to silver body covered in bright orange spots and dashes. These gobies spend most of their time near the bottom, gently sifting sand to find food while helping keep the substrate clean. Their calm nature, striking appearance, and beneficial tank behavior make them a great addition to medium and large reef aquariums.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Amblyeleotris guttata
Common Names: Orange Spotted Goby, Orange-Dashed Goby, Orange Spot Shrimp Goby
Adult Size: 4–5 inches (10–12 cm)
Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
Temperament: Peaceful, shy, bottom-dwelling
Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Orange Spotted Gobies originate from Indo-Pacific reef environments, where they live near sandy bottoms, rubble zones, and the edges of coral outcrops. In the wild, they often form symbiotic relationships with pistol shrimp, sharing burrows and keeping lookout.

Tank Environment:

• Provide plenty of sand for burrowing and sifting
• Include rockwork with caves or shaded areas
• A tight-fitting lid is recommended, as gobies may jump
• Moderate water flow with clean, oxygen-rich water

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Orange Spotted Gobies are carnivores that sift sand to find small worms, crustaceans, and microfauna. In captivity, they adapt well to prepared foods, especially if fed near the bottom.

Recommended Foods:

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

Feeding Schedule:
Feed 1–2 times a day. Make sure food drops to the substrate, as these gobies prefer to eat from the bottom rather than mid-water.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
Orange Spotted Gobies are peaceful and prefer calm environments. They spend most of their time near the substrate, sifting sand or guarding their burrows. They may form pairs or bond with pistol shrimp.

Tank Mates:

• Ideal with peaceful fish such as clownfish, blennies, dartfish, wrasses, and other gobies
• Avoid aggressive bottom-dwellers or large predatory fish
• Completely safe with corals and most invertebrates

Breeding Potential

In the wild, these gobies are burrow spawners, often pairing with pistol shrimp. They may form pairs in aquariums, but breeding is uncommon at home due to delicate larvae that require specialized care and tiny live foods.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Orange Spotted Goby is carefully quarantined for several weeks. Each fish is monitored closely for parasites, treated when necessary, and conditioned to accept a variety of foods. By the time they reach your aquarium, they are healthy, stable, and ready to adapt easily to their new environment.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small to medium