More info
Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 500 litres / 132.09 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 18.0cm / 7.09inches |
| Reef Compatible | Reef safe with caution |
| Temperament | Mostly peaceful but might be aggressive towards similar species |
| Temperature | 22.2°C / 71.96°F - 25.6°C / 78.08°F |
| Specific Gravity | 1.020-1.025 |
| Carbonate Hardness | 8-12 |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
General Description
The Valenciennea longipinnis, commonly known as the Long-finned goby or Teardrop sleeper-goby, is a member of the Gobiidae family. These small fish are native to the Indo-West Pacific region and are characterized by their elongated fins and striking coloration. With an average hardiness level, they can reach a maximum size of 18.0cm and are generally peaceful but may exhibit aggression towards similar species.
Aquarium Suitability
Suitability for keeping the Long-finned goby in an aquarium requires experience, preparation, and extra care due to their specific demands and behaviors. They are best suited for well-established tanks with hiding places and a stable environment.
Demands, Care, and Hardiness
These gobies have specific care requirements, necessitating feeding four or more times a day with a diet consisting of small crustaceans and zooplankton. They assist in keeping sandy substrates clean by filtering sand through their gills, which can lead to corals being covered with sand. They are known to rearrange the sand in the aquarium and are initially shy, needing time to acclimatize before introducing more aggressive tank mates.
Reef Suitability
Valenciennea longipinnis is considered reef safe with caution, as they may exhibit sand sifting behaviors that could impact coral placement and may jump out of open aquariums.
Aquarium Setup
Setting up an aquarium for Long-finned gobies involves providing ample hiding spaces, such as between live rocks, to accommodate their natural behavior. A minimum tank size of 500 liters with stable water conditions, including a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, pH of 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity between 1.020-1.025, is recommended.
Behaviour
These gobies are generally peaceful but can show aggression towards similar species. They prefer to be kept in pairs (a male and a female) and thrive in environments with a well-established population of copepods, amphipods, or similar microorganisms for consistent food availability.
Feeding and Diet
Their diet mainly consists of small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. Regular feeding schedules are essential to ensure the Long-finned gobies maintain good health.
Habitat and Distribution
In the wild, Valenciennea longipinnis can be found in the East Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Central/West Pacific regions. They inhabit sandy substrates close to the ocean floor and are known for their sand sifting and cleaning behaviors.