Overview
- Commonly known as Ward's Sleeper Goby.
- Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly found in sandy lagoon and reef environments.
- Recognized by its elongated body, pale coloration, and subtle markings.
- Highly beneficial in aquariums for its sand-sifting behavior, which helps maintain substrate cleanliness.
Feeding
- Carnivorous diet, primarily consuming small crustaceans and invertebrates.
- Requires a varied diet including frozen or live mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets.
- Constantly sifts through the sand to find hidden food particles.
- Supplementing with vitamin-enriched foods enhances overall health and coloration.
Habitat
- Typically found in sandy-bottom reef environments with plenty of open substrate.
- Prefers stable water conditions and moderate water movement.
- Requires a minimum 30-gallon tank, though larger tanks are recommended for pairs.
- Needs fine sand for burrowing and natural sifting behavior.
Fish Care
- Optimal water temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C).
- Ideal pH level: 8.1-8.4, with a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025.
- Regular water changes and stable conditions are necessary for long-term health.
- Prone to jumping, so a secure lid is required to prevent escapes.
- Provides natural cleaning benefits by aerating and filtering the sand bed.
Compatibility
- Peaceful species that coexists well with other reef-safe fish.
- Best kept with non-aggressive tank mates such as clownfish, wrasses, and other gobies.
- Can be kept in pairs, but may show territorial behavior toward other sand-sifting gobies.
- Avoid housing with large, aggressive fish that may outcompete or harass them.
Aquarium Behavior
- Spends most of its time near the substrate, sifting through the sand for food.
- Helps maintain a clean and aerated sand bed.
- Generally peaceful and shy, often retreating to burrows when threatened.
- Providing a well-established sand bed and live rock structures encourages natural behavior.