Gold Head Sleeper Goby - Valenciennea strigata - Large

Gold Head Sleeper Gobies (Valenciennea strigata, also known as Bluestreak Gobies or Yellow Head Gobies) have pale bodies, golden yellow heads, and blue markings on their cheeks. They tend to be more sensitive than other sleeper gobies and their delicate bodies can be easily bruised by other fish or sharp edges on the substrate or decor.

This fish is best known as part of the group of gobies known as sandsifter or sleeper gobies. They take mouthfuls of the substrate and sift it out through their gills, searching for food. This can help keep the substrate aerated, and may help prevent the build-up of organic debris that leads to high nitrate levels, algae, and cyanobacteria ("Red Slime Algae"). They should be kept in a tank with fine, soft substrate that will not damage their gills as they sift.

They will eat a variety of frozen foods and possibly flake and pellet. Gobies prefer a tank with plenty of rocky hiding places. They get along with most tankmates, but can be aggressive toward other gobies. When startled or threatened, they have been known to jump out of uncovered aquariums. Always keep the tank covered and provide plenty of hiding places for this fish to retreat to.

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