Orange Spot Goby Valenciennea Puellaris

Description

Orange Spot Goby Valenciennea Puellaris

The Orange Spot Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea puellaris, is a stunning sand-sifting goby native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. It has a slender, torpedo-shaped body with a predominantly white coloration adorned with vibrant orange spots and iridescent bluish markings around the head. This peaceful species is known for its unique feeding behavior, constantly sifting through the substrate to extract small invertebrates, detritus, and other microorganisms. To accommodate this behavior, it requires a deep sand bed or fine sandy substrate in the aquarium. The Orange Spot Goby is considered a moderate-difficulty fish, as it is sensitive to water quality and requires a stable environment with appropriate temperature, salinity, and pH levels. Regarding tank mates, the Orange Spot Goby is generally compatible with other peaceful reef inhabitants, but it should not be housed with overly aggressive or territorial species. It can be kept singly or in small groups, with a minimum tank size of 20 gallons for a single goby and an additional 10 gallons for each additional fish. The Orange Spot Goby is not recommended for beginners, as it can be challenging to acclimate to aquarium foods and may require specialized feeding techniques. The optimal water parameters for the Orange Spot Goby include a temperature range of 72-78°F, a pH of 8.1-8.4, and a dKH of 8-12. It is a reef-safe species that poses no threat to corals, but small shrimp may be at risk with very large individuals.