Sixspot Sleeper Goby
The Sixspot Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea sexguttata), also known as the Sleeper Blue Dot Goby, is an attractive and highly active sand-sifting goby recognised by its pale body and distinctive bright blue spots around the face.
A brilliant addition to established marine aquariums, this species spends much of its day taking mouthfuls of sand, filtering out small organisms and edible material before releasing the clean sand back onto the substrate. This natural behaviour makes the Sixspot Sleeper Goby fascinating to watch while also helping keep the sandbed turned over.
Care Information
Scientific Name: Valenciennea sexguttata
Common Names: Sixspot Sleeper Goby, Sleeper Blue Dot Goby
Care Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Generally Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore / Microfauna Feeder
Minimum Aquarium Size: Approximately 115L / 30 gallons
Reef Safe: Yes
Preferred Substrate: Fine live sand
Aquarium Requirements
The Sixspot Sleeper Goby is best suited to an established marine aquarium with a mature sandbed containing plenty of natural microfauna.
A fine sandy substrate is essential, as these gobies spend much of their time sifting through the sand in search of food. Mature live rock and an established refugium can also help provide a continual natural food source.
While generally peaceful towards other fish, they may become territorial towards other sleeper gobies of the same species unless kept as an established or bonded pair.
A secure aquarium lid is strongly recommended, as gobies can jump when startled or while settling into a new aquarium.
Feeding
Sixspot Sleeper Gobies should be fed regularly, particularly in aquariums where the natural food supply within the sandbed may be limited.
Suitable foods include:
- Frozen mysis shrimp
- Frozen or live brine shrimp
- Live blackworms
- Finely chopped marine foods
- High-quality prepared carnivore foods
Multiple smaller feeds can be beneficial, helping ensure the fish receives enough nutrition in addition to what it finds naturally while sifting the substrate.
Natural Sand-Sifting Behaviour
One of the main attractions of the Sixspot Sleeper Goby is its constant sand-sifting behaviour. It will scoop substrate into its mouth, extract tiny food particles and organisms, then expel the cleaned sand through its gills.
This makes it a fantastic fish for reef keepers looking for an active bottom-dwelling species that adds both character and useful natural behaviour to an established marine aquarium.
