Saltwater Aquarium Guide: Diamond Goby – South Asia (Valenciennea puellaris)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Max Size: Up to 4 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide: Diamond Goby – South Asia (Valenciennea puellaris)

The Diamond Goby, also known as Valenciennea puellaris, is a popular saltwater aquarium fish native to South Asia. This comprehensive guide will provide all the information about keeping this species in your saltwater aquarium.

Habitat

The Diamond Goby is commonly found in sandy areas of coral reefs in the South Asia region. They are known for their ability to create burrows in the substrate, which they use as their shelter and feeding grounds.

Reef Safe

The Diamond Goby is considered reef-safe as they do not threaten corals or other invertebrates. They can benefit a reef aquarium as they help to aerate and clean the substrate.

Size

The Diamond Goby can grow up to 4 inches in length, making it a relatively small fish suitable for smaller saltwater aquariums.

Temperament

This species is known for its peaceful temperament, making it compatible with many tankmates. They are not aggressive towards other fish or invertebrates.

Sexual Dimorphism

There are no noticeable differences in appearance between male and female Diamond Gobies.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Diamond Goby is around 3-5 years, but with proper care, they can live even longer.

Diet in Aquariums

The Diamond Goby is a carnivorous species that primarily feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small pieces of fish or shrimp meat.

Aquascaping Recommendations

Since the Diamond Goby is a burrowing species, providing a sandy substrate in the aquarium is important. They will create burrows in the substrate, deep enough to accommodate their digging behavior.

Captive Bred Availability

The Diamond Goby is available as captive-bred specimens in the aquarium trade. Captive-bred individuals are generally hardier and more adaptable to aquarium conditions compared to wild-caught specimens.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals

The Diamond Goby is generally compatible with various tankmates, including peaceful fish, small invertebrates, and most corals. However, caution should be exercised when keeping them with aggressive or territorial species that may harass or outcompete them for food.

Here are 5 specific tankmates that are good choices for the Diamond Goby:

1. Clownfish: Clownfish are peaceful and can coexist with the Diamond Goby without any issues. They also add vibrant colors to the aquarium.
2. Fire Shrimp: Fire Shrimp are known to be compatible with the Diamond Goby and can create an interesting symbiotic relationship.
3. Green Chromis: These small schooling fish are peaceful and make great companions for the Diamond Goby.
4. Cleaner Shrimp: Cleaner Shrimp are not only compatible but also provide a cleaning service to other tankmates, including the Diamond Goby.
5. Soft Corals: Many soft corals, such as mushrooms and zoanthids, can be kept alongside the Diamond Goby without issues.

Other Common Names

The Diamond Goby is also known by other common names such as Diamond Watchman Goby, Orange Spotted Goby, and Sleeper Goby.

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Popular Questions and Answers

1. Q: Can the Diamond Goby escape the aquarium?
   A: While they are not known for their jumping behavior, it is always recommended to have a secure lid or mesh cover on the aquarium to prevent any accidental escapes.
2. Q: How often should I feed my Diamond Goby?
   A: It is recommended to feed the Diamond Goby small amounts of food multiple times a day. This mimics their natural feeding behavior and ensures they receive enough nutrition.
3. Q: Can the Diamond Goby be kept in a reef tank with delicate corals?
   A: The Diamond Goby is generally considered safe for delicate corals. However, caution should be exercised if the corals have long, delicate polyps that the goby may disturb with its digging behavior.
4. Q: Do Diamond Gobies require a specific lighting setup in the aquarium?
   A: No, Diamond Gobies do not have any specific lighting requirements. They can thrive under various lighting conditions commonly found in saltwater aquariums.
5. Q: Can I keep multiple Diamond Gobies in the same tank?
   A: Keeping multiple Diamond Gobies in the same tank is generally not recommended, as they may become territorial and aggressive towards each other. It is best to keep them as solitary individuals.

With the information provided in this comprehensive guide, you should now better understand the Diamond Goby – South Asia (Valenciennea puellaris) and how to care for them in a saltwater aquarium.