Tiger Goby Valenciennea Wardii

Tiger Goby – Valenciennea wardii

Overview:
The Tiger Goby is a sand-sifting goby recognized for its elongated body with horizontal tiger-like stripes. Like other Valenciennea species, it spends much of its time sifting sand through its gills, keeping the substrate clean while searching for small invertebrates. This natural cleaning ability makes it a highly desirable addition to reef aquariums.

Origin:
Native to the Indo-Pacific, often found in sandy lagoons and reef flats where it forms burrows, sometimes in pairs.

Feeding:
Carnivorous – feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, it adapts to frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and sinking carnivore pellets. A well-established tank with a healthy sandbed is highly recommended to sustain natural feeding.

Tank Mates:
Peaceful and reef-safe. Best kept with non-aggressive fish, corals, and invertebrates. Can be kept in pairs if introduced at the same time. Avoid aggressive or predatory species.

Aggression:
Low. Generally docile, though it may defend its burrow from similar sand-sifting gobies in smaller aquariums.

Experience Level:
Intermediate. Requires a mature aquarium with a sandy substrate. Needs a secure lid, as it may jump when startled.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.020–1.025

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (larger is better for stable sand-beds)

The Tiger Goby (Valenciennea wardii) is both a functional sand cleaner and an attractive reef-safe species, perfect for aquarists seeking utility and beauty in their marine tank.