Valenciennea sexguttata

Datasheet

General Description

The Sixspot goby, scientifically known as Valenciennea sexguttata, belongs to the Gobiidae family. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, with its habitat extending north to the Yaeyama Islands and south to Queensland, Australia. Sixspot gobies are relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 14.0cm, and are commonly found near the bottom of the ocean.

Aquarium Suitability

Sixspot gobies are considered suitable for aquariums, but they require experienced care due to their specific needs. This species is known to jump out of open aquariums, so caution is advised when setting up their enclosure. They can be kept in a minimum tank size of 500 liters and thrive best when kept as a pair, ideally a male and a female.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Maintaining Sixspot gobies in an aquarium demands frequent feeding, with a requirement of at least four meals a day. They feed on small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and artemia, as well as zooplankton such as Cyclops and pods. These fish help filter sand in the tank, which may lead to corals being covered with sand. Additionally, they require a tank with good hiding spots, such as between live rocks.

Reef Suitability

Sixspot gobies are considered reef-safe with caution. They may rearrange the sand in the aquarium, so it is crucial to ensure that the rocks are stable to prevent collapses. These gobies need a well-established aquarium with a sufficient amount of micro-life, like copepods and amphipods, for them to forage for food.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for Sixspot gobies should include a sandy substrate and plenty of hiding places like live rocks. The water conditions should be maintained within a pH range of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8-12 for optimal health.

Behaviour

Sixspot gobies are mostly peaceful but can display aggression towards similar species. They tend to be initially shy when introduced to a new environment but can become more active and confident once acclimated. As active sand-sifters, they contribute to the cleanliness of the substrate in the tank.

Feeding and Diet

Feeding Sixspot gobies a varied diet of small crustaceans and zooplankton is essential for their health and well-being. They have specific dietary requirements that need to be met through regular feeding to ensure their nutritional needs are fulfilled.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Sixspot gobies are found in the East Indian Ocean, West Indian Ocean, Australia, Japan, the Red Sea, Indonesia, and various regions across the Central and West Pacific. Their distribution ranges from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, encompassing a diverse range of marine ecosystems in the Indo-Pacific.