Valencienna bella

Datasheet

General Description

The Bella Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea bella, is a visually striking species of Sleeper Goby that shares similarities in size and shape with the Golden Head Sleeper Goby. Sporting color variations of Maroon, Red, and Orange, this species features a yellow-gold head with sapphire-blue stripes below the eyes, coupled with an off-white chin and belly. As adult Bella Gobies mature, they develop distinctive black patches under their chins. These hardy fish are typically encountered residing singularly or in pairs and are commonly located from the reefs to the sandy bottoms spanning from Japan to the Philippines.

Aquarium Suitability

Bella Gobies, categorized as sand sifting fishes, require a tank of 30 gallons or larger to accommodate their needs adequately. A thick sandy substrate and ample rockwork within the aquarium are essential to allow these gobies to construct burrows for shelter. Optimal conditions also include a mature refugium populated with copepods and/or amphipods to benefit the Bella Goby. Given their tendency to jump, it is crucial to ensure that the aquarium is equipped with a secure, tight-fitting canopy or screen cover.

Care and Hardiness

Considered moderate in terms of care requirements, Bella Gobies are carnivorous creatures that feed by sifting through the sand at the bottom of the tank, ingesting small worms, crustaceans, and other organisms living within the substrate. Their frequent sifting activities help in maintaining a clean and well-oxygenated substrate. To ensure their nutritional needs are met, a varied diet consisting of enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and prepared foods for marine carnivores is recommended.

Reef Suitability

Reef compatibility is a positive trait of the Bella Goby, making them suitable inhabitants for reef aquariums. Their peaceful temperament further enhances their compatibility with a diverse range of reef species.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Bella Gobies, it is crucial to provide a sandy substrate, ample rocks for burrow construction, and a mature refugium for added benefit. Maintaining stable water conditions with a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity between 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 dKH is vital for the overall well-being of these gobies.

Behaviour

Known for their peaceful temperament, Bella Gobies typically display calm and non-aggressive behavior within the aquarium environment, making them suitable tank mates for a variety of marine species.

Feeding and Diet

As carnivorous feeders, Bella Gobies rely on sifting through sand to consume small worms, crustaceans, and other substrate-dwelling organisms. Supplementing their diet with a mix of frozen/thawed foods such as enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and marine carnivore pellets ensures they receive adequate nutrition.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Bella Gobies are commonly found on reefs and sandy bottoms stretching from Japan to the Philippines. They prefer sandy substrates where they can sift for food and construct burrows for shelter and protection.