Valenciennea puellaris

Datasheet

General Description

The Diamond Watchman Goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea puellaris, belongs to the Gobiidae family and is native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea to Samoa, and from southern Japan to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia. This species is characterized by its striking orange-dashed appearance and can reach a maximum size of approximately 17.0cm.

Aquarium Suitability

The Diamond Watchman Goby is best suited for experienced aquarists willing to provide the extra care it demands. It needs a large tank size of at least 500 liters and thrives best in pairs comprising a male and a female. Additionally, the fish requires a well-established aquarium with an ample supply of microorganisms like copepods and amphipods to ensure a steady source of food.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species has average hardiness and is mostly peaceful, although it can exhibit aggression towards similar species. The Diamond Watchman Goby is initially shy when introduced to a new tank but may display territorial behavior once acclimatized. It is known to rearrange the sand in the aquarium, emphasizing the need for stable rock formations to prevent collapses. Regular feeding – at least four times a day – is essential for its well-being.

Reef Suitability

Considered reef-safe with caution, the Diamond Watchman Goby must be monitored in reef setups due to its habit of spreading sand across corals while feeding.

Aquarium Setup

A suitable aquarium setup for the Diamond Watchman Goby should include ample hiding spots like live rocks and caves. Maintaining stable rocks to prevent sand shifts is crucial, as this species filters sand for food, which can result in unintended consequences like burying corals. It is advisable to provide a sandy substrate conducive to its natural behavior.

Behaviour

The behavior of the Diamond Watchman Goby can transition from timidity to assertiveness as it acclimatizes to its environment. While typically peaceful, it may exhibit territorial aggression, particularly towards similar species. This Goby species is known to thrive in pairs, with one male and one female.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, Diamond Watchman Gobies primarily feed on small crustaceans such as krill and mysis, as well as zooplankton like cyclops and pods. In captivity, providing a varied diet of small crustaceans and zooplankton is essential for their nutrition and overall health.

Dimorphism

Male and female Diamond Watchman Gobies may display subtle differences, with the male typically being slightly larger and more brightly colored than the female. In captivity, successful breeding and reproduction of this species have been achieved by maintaining a male-female pair in a suitable environment.