Ward’s Sleeper Goby
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Image:Valenciennea wardi.jpg
This attractive goby needs a tank with a live sand bed. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
This attractive goby is often used to stir sand beds, although it is not as effective a sifter as V. puellaris. Juveniles have a spot on the dorsal fin and tail. This may serve to dissuade would-be predators by resembling the “face” of a piscivorous fish.
Family: Gobiidae
Other common name(s):
- Tiger Sleeper Goby
- Ward's Goby
- Ward's Sleeper
Native range:
Habitat: This species is found in sandy areas of shallow lagoon reefs.
Maximum length: 13 cm (5 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 209 L (55 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Attempt to feed small crustaceans, such as vitamin-enriched live and frozen brine shrimp and mysid shrimp as well as live black worms and prepared foods for carnivores. Feed several times a day.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
It is rarely aggressive toward other bottom-dwelling fishes, with the possible exception of congeners. It can be kept in male-female pairs, but two or more males may quarrel.
[edit] Special Care
It tends to be easier to feed than some congeners. To increase your chances of success, keep it in a tank with a live sand bed, which will provide the tiny invertebrates that are its natural prey.
[edit] Notes
Like all sleeper gobies, it is prone to jumping out of the aquarium.
| Common name | Ward’s Sleeper Goby +, Tiger Sleeper Goby +, Ward's Goby +, and Ward's Sleeper + |
| Family | Gobiidae + |
| Genus | Valenciennea + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 5 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 55 gal + |
| Native range | Indian Ocean +, and Western Pacific + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | wardi + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |