Diamond Watchman Goby (Valenciennea Puellaris)

Species Name : Valenciennea Puellaris

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Orange, White

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 6"

Origin : Fiji, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu

Family : Gobiidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Diamond Watchman Goby (Valenciennea Puellaris) is also commonly referred to as the Pretty Prawn, Maiden, Orange Spotted Diamond, Orange-dashed, or Orangespotted Sleeper Goby. 

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. This species can be very shy when first introduced into a new aquarium. The species grows to a maximum size of around 6”.

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. This species likes rearranging the sand in the aquarium. Be sure that the rocks cannot collapse if the sand is removed.

More aggressive fish can be introduced after this species has acclimatized.It rarely becomes aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair. Diamond gobies are considered peaceful and are also reef safe. 

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. They may spread sand across the corals when they eat.

Size: Small: 1-1/2" to 2"; Medium: 2" to 3"; Large: 3" to 4"; XLarge: 4" to 5"