Valenciennea wardii | All sizes

Valenciennea wardii is a peaceful and fascinating goby species popular among marine aquarium enthusiasts. Known for its distinctive sand-sifting behaviour, this fish helps maintain substrate cleanliness by sifting through the sand bed to find food particles, making it a beneficial addition to a well-established tank.

These gobies are generally peaceful and compatible with a wide range of tank mates, including other non-aggressive fish and invertebrates. They thrive best in tanks with a sandy substrate at least 3–4 cm deep to allow natural burrowing and sifting behaviour.

Care Recommendations:

• Diet: Omnivorous – offer a varied diet including high-quality frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and specialised sinking pellets or granules.
• Minimum Tank Size: 75 litres (20 gallons) to provide sufficient space for natural behaviour and territory establishment.
• Water Parameters: Maintain stable marine conditions with temperature 24–27°C, salinity 1.023–1.025 SG, pH 8.1–8.4.
• Compatibility: Peaceful temperament; avoid housing with aggressive species that may bully or outcompete them.
• Reef Safety: Yes – safe with corals and invertebrates, making them suitable for reef aquariums.

Valenciennea wardii is available in various sizes, allowing hobbyists to select specimens that best fit their aquarium setup and experience level. Providing a well-established tank with plenty of live sand and hiding spots will ensure this species thrives and displays its natural behaviours.