Little Shop of Coral
Blue Dot Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea sexguttata)
Blue Dot Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea sexguttata)
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The Sleeper Blue Dot Goby is a peaceful, reef-safe sand sifter that brings both function and subtle beauty to established reef tanks. Like other Valenciennea gobies, it spends its day scooping and sifting sand—filtering out tiny edible particles and helping keep your sandbed clean and oxygenated. The standout feature is its delicate blue spotting, which shimmers under reef lighting when it’s perched or hovering over the substrate.
Why we love it
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Excellent sand-sifting behavior for a cleaner-looking substrate
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Peaceful and reef safe — great in community reefs
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Subtle blue dot patterning that flashes under the right lighting
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Active, interesting behavior without being disruptive
Care & Compatibility
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Diet: Carnivore/Omnivore (microfauna + prepared foods)
Adult Size: ~5–6"
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (40g+ recommended for long-term success)
Feeding (Important)
Sand-sifting gobies can struggle in newer tanks that don’t have enough natural microfauna. To keep them thriving:
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Feed frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and fine chopped seafood
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Offer small sinking pellets and quality frozen blends
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Ensure it’s getting food beyond what it finds in the sand (watch body weight)
Best in mature tanks with an established sandbed.
Tank & Setup Notes
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Provide a fine sandbed (coarse gravel can cause mouth/gill irritation)
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Expect some “sand storms” — avoid placing delicate corals/frags directly on the sand
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Secure lid required — sleeper gobies are known jumpers
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Plenty of rockwork and hiding areas will help it settle in quickly
Compatibility Tips
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Plays well with most peaceful reef fish
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May be territorial with other sand-sifting gobies in smaller systems
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Usually best kept singly unless you’re intentionally pairing in a larger tank
Acclimation & Health
Slow acclimation is recommended. Stable parameters, strong oxygenation, and consistent feeding are the keys to long-term success with Valenciennea gobies.
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LIGHT
LOW: Place coral at the bottom of the tank. Depending on the type, coral may need to be placed off sand and therefore mounted on a ceramic disc of piece of rock.
MEDIUM: Place coral at mid-range of the tank. Best placed/glued on top of a rock scape at mid-range height.
HIGH: Place coral from mid range to just below water level. SPS coral are shallow growing so they require and are able to tolerate intense light.
FLOW
LOW: Most soft coral do well with a small, gentle pulse. There are certain corals that can even be placed in areas of indirect flow, meaning places aside a rock structure or set into a entrance to a cave style space.
MEDIUM: Many LPS types of coral prefer medium pulse current. Most Euphyllia or corals that have more tissue structure connected to their skeleton, don’t like to be in a high flow area like the direct flow of the wave pump.
HIGH: Similar to high light, SPS enjoy being in some heavy current. Most LPS and SPS that branch encrust or plate prefer high flow that simulates the top water waves.
SKILL
ENTRY: While some may say beginner level, "Entry" is a good term to be used when starting out in the world of corals and marine life. Prior to adding livestock, you want to ensure that your reef has the proper parameters including zero levels of ammonia and nitrite. Seeing traces of nitrate in your waters is a good sign - just keep them at a lower level of 2ppm to 10ppm. Maintaining correct temperature and salinity are a huge factor to stable parameters. Starting to monitor your PH, alkalinity, calcium and magnesium is a great habit to get into to keep a successful reef.
While some soft coral don’t require too much light, having a proper reef light that puts out the proper pars is very important. You'll also want to have a good amount of flow and protected rock areas, as placing corals in their happy spot is ideal for success.
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