Jam Sandwich Goby Valenciennea Helsdingenii

Jam Sandwich Goby – Valenciennea helsdingenii

Overview:
The Jam Sandwich Goby is a peaceful, sand-sifting goby known for its distinctive coloration resembling a “jam sandwich” with a pale body and dark midline stripe. It is highly active, constantly sifting through sand for food, making it both functional and visually engaging in reef aquariums.

Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, commonly found in sandy lagoon areas and reef slopes, where it forms burrows in sandy substrates.

Feeding:
Carnivorous – feeds on small invertebrates and micro-crustaceans in the sand. In aquariums, it accepts frozen mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and sinking micro-pellets. Regular feeding ensures proper nutrition and natural sand-sifting behavior.

Tank Mates:
Peaceful and reef-safe, compatible with other non-aggressive fish. Avoid predatory or overly aggressive species that may disturb the sand bed.

Aggression:
Low. Territorial only with conspecifics of the same species; generally peaceful.

Experience Level:
Intermediate. Requires a deep sandy substrate (3–4 inches) for burrowing and foraging, as well as ample tank space for digging.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 74–78°F (23–26°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.020–1.025

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

The Jam Sandwich Goby (Valenciennea helsdingenii) is a peaceful, active sand-sifter that enhances the natural dynamics and visual appeal of reef aquariums, especially those with deep sandy substrates.