Valencienna Puellaris - Diamond Watchman Goby (M)

The Diamond Watchman Goby is also commonly referred to as the Pretty Prawn, Maiden, Orange Spotted Diamond, Orange-dashed, or Orangespotted Sleeper Goby. It was first discovered in the Indo-Pacific Ocean in 1956 by Tomiyama. The head and body are white with orange spots. It is a very timid fish that makes a great addition to the reef tank because of its longevity.

It should be housed in a 30 gallon or larger aquarium with live sand as the substrate, and an attached populated refugium. The Diamond Watchman Goby uses shallow burrows in the substrate as refuge, keeping the substrate well oxygenated. It rarely becomes aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.

The Diamond Watchman Goby feeds off the bottom as it sifts through the sand. Its diet should include a variety of live and frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, live black worms, and prepared foods for carnivores. It should be fed frequently.