Bella Sleeper Goby (Valencienna bella)

Max Size: 6 inches
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

The Valenciennea bella, commonly known as the Bella Goby, is a visually appealing species belonging to the Sleeper Goby family. Resembling the Golden Head Sleeper Goby in terms of shape and size, the Bella Goby exhibits a range of captivating colors including maroon, red, and orange. Its head showcases a yellow-gold hue with sapphire-blue stripes beneath the eyes, while the chin and belly feature an off-white shade. Fully grown Bella Gobies develop distinctive black patches beneath their chins.

These remarkable fish can be found in the reefs and sandy bottoms spanning from Japan to the Philippines. Typically, Bella Gobies are observed either in solitary individuals or in pairs, occupying their preferred habitats.

Due to their sand sifting behavior, Bella Gobies require an aquarium of at least 30 gallons or larger, equipped with a thick layer of sandy substrate and an ample arrangement of rocks to facilitate the construction of burrows for their protection. Additionally, it is beneficial to incorporate a mature refugium filled with copepods and/or amphipods. As Bella Gobies are known to be prone to jumping, it is crucial to ensure that the aquarium is secured with a tightly fitting canopy or screen cover.

In terms of feeding, Bella Gobies primarily forage from the bottom of the aquarium, sifting through the sand and consuming mouthfuls of substrate. They filter out and consume the small worms and crustaceans that reside within the sand. This frequent sifting behavior helps maintain a clean and well-oxygenated substrate. To meet their dietary needs, it is recommended to provide a varied selection of frozen/thawed foods such as enriched brine shrimp and mysis shrimp, as well as prepared pellets and dry foods specifically designed for marine carnivores.