Bella Goby (Valenciennea bella)

The Bella Goby, also known as the Beautiful Sleeper Goby, is a striking and hardworking sand-sifting goby perfect for keeping your aquarium substrate clean. This species features an elongated body with bold orange stripes running horizontally along its white to pale blue body, accented by vibrant blue markings near the face. Its elegant appearance and practical behavior make it a popular choice for reef tanks.

Care Requirements:
The Bella Goby thrives in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with a sandy substrate, which it will sift through to find food while naturally aerating and cleaning the sand. Provide plenty of live rock with caves and crevices for hiding and security. A tight-fitting lid is recommended, as gobies are known jumpers, especially when startled.

Diet:
In the wild, the Bella Goby feeds on small invertebrates found in the sand. In captivity, it will sift the substrate for leftover food but should also be offered a diet of frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and sinking carnivorous pellets. Frequent feedings help ensure proper nutrition, especially in new tanks with less established microfauna.

Temperament:
This is a peaceful and hardworking species that can be kept alone or as a bonded pair. It’s reef-safe and generally ignores other tankmates, focusing on its sand-sifting duties. It may be territorial with other sand-sifting gobies unless introduced as a mated pair.

Reef Compatibility:
Reef Safe. The Bella Goby won’t harm corals or invertebrates, though its sand-sifting behavior may cause occasional sand to settle on low-lying corals. It plays a beneficial role in maintaining a healthy, clean substrate in reef aquariums.

Compatibility:
Best housed with other peaceful fish. It can be kept singly or as a mated pair but may be territorial toward other gobies of similar appearance. Avoid aggressive species that may outcompete it for food or cause stress.

Aquarium Arts Disclaimer:
Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.