Orange Spot Goby

Description

The Orange Spot Goby / Diamond, scientifically known as Valenciennea puellaris, is a stunning fish that boasts vibrant colours and intricate patterns. It has a slender body with a maximum size of around 3 inches (7.6 centimetres), making it a relatively small species suitable for smaller aquariums. Its body is predominantly white with eye-catching orange spots spread across its entire body, hence the common name “Orange Spot Goby” or sometimes referred to as “Diamond Goby.”

Natural Habitat:

In its natural habitat, the Orange Spot Goby inhabits the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. It can be found in shallow lagoons and coral reefs, where it often seeks refuge in sandy or muddy substrates. The goby prefers areas with a moderate water flow, allowing it to sift through the sand in search of tiny invertebrates and organic matter.

Keeping Orange Spot Gobies / Diamond, Healthy:

The care level for Orange Spot Gobies is generally considered to be moderate, requiring some specific conditions to thrive. It is important to maintain a stable environment with good water quality, including temperature, salinity, and pH levels. Additionally, providing ample hiding places, such as live rock or coral structures, is crucial to create a sense of security for the goby.

Special Requirements and Feeding:

One unique behaviour of the Orange Spot Goby / Diamond is its constant sifting of sand in search of food. Therefore, it is essential to have a deep sand bed or fine sandy substrate in the aquarium to mimic its natural feeding behaviour. This goby mainly feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and other microorganisms found within the sand. Supplementing its diet with high-quality marine pellets or frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis shrimp is recommended to ensure proper nutrition.

How Many Should I Keep?

The Orange Spot Goby is a peaceful species and can be kept singly or in small groups, depending on the size of the aquarium. A general guideline is to provide a minimum tank size of 20 gallons (75 litres) for a single goby, with an additional 10 gallons (38 litres) for each additional fish. Keeping them in pairs or small groups can promote natural behaviours and enhance their overall well-being.

Lighting Preference:

While the Orange Spot Goby / Diamond doesn’t have any specific lighting requirements, it tends to appreciate a well-lit aquarium. Optimal lighting conditions not only showcase its beautiful colours but also promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms within the substrate.

Suitable Tank Mates:

Due to its peaceful nature, the Orange Spot Goby can be housed with a variety of tank mates. Compatible species include other peaceful fish, small invertebrates like shrimp and crabs, and certain types of corals. However, caution should be exercised when selecting tank mates to ensure they are not aggressive or territorial, as the goby is a relatively docile fish.

Sand Sifting Behaviour and Feeding:

The Orange Spot Goby is a sand sifting goby that exhibits a fascinating feeding behaviour. Using its specialized mouth, the goby sifts through the sandy substrate, extracting small invertebrates, worms, and organic matter as its primary source of food. This behaviour is not only essential for its feeding but also serves a vital purpose in the aquarium. By continuously sifting through the sand, the goby helps to aerate and stir up the substrate, preventing the accumulation of debris and promoting a healthier environment for other tank inhabitants.

Reproduction in the Wild:

In the wild, the Orange Spot Goby follows a natural reproductive cycle. Males will establish territories within their preferred habitat, where they court and attract females for spawning. Once successful, the female will release her eggs, which are then fertilized by the male. The fertilized eggs are left in the water column, where they drift and eventually hatch into larvae.

Breeding Valenciennea puellaris:

Breeding the Orange Spot Goby, Valenciennea puellaris, in a controlled environment can be a rewarding experience for dedicated aquarists. Here is a detailed overview of the breeding process:

1. Set Up:

Create a separate breeding tank with appropriate water parameters and a sandy substrate similar to the goby’s natural habitat. Provide hiding places such as PVC pipes or small caves for the goby to lay its eggs.

2. Courtship/Spawning:

Introduce a well-conditioned male and female into the breeding tank. The male will begin a courtship display, exhibiting vibrant colours and performing ritualized behaviours to attract the female. Once the female is receptive, spawning occurs, with the male wrapping his body around the female to release and fertilize the eggs.

3. Rearing:

After spawning, promptly remove the adults from the breeding tank to prevent predation on the eggs. The eggs are adhesive and will attach to the substrate or other surfaces within the tank. It is important to maintain optimal water conditions, including temperature and water flow, to ensure successful egg development. The eggs will hatch into larvae within a few days, and at this stage, specialized larval rearing techniques, such as providing appropriate food and suitable water conditions, are necessary for their survival and growth.

Sexual Dimorphism:

The Orange Spot Goby does not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making it challenging to visually distinguish between males and females. Both sexes possess similar body shape, coloration, and pattern.

Distribution:

The Orange Spot Goby, Valenciennea puellaris, is native to the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. While there are captive-bred and line-bred strains available in the aquarium trade, the original fish are sourced from their natural habitats in the wild.

Summary:

The Orange Spot Goby, or Valenciennea puellaris, is a sand sifting goby known for its unique feeding behaviour and striking appearance. Its ability to sift through the substrate not only aids in obtaining food but also contributes to maintaining a healthy aquarium environment. Breeding this goby requires careful setup, courtship, and rearing techniques. While the fish does not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, its natural distribution spans the Indo-Pacific region. By understanding and providing for the specific needs of the Orange Spot Goby, aquarists can enjoy the beauty and wonder of this captivating species in their own aquariums.

The Fish pictured here are representative only and the livestock you receive may vary in pattern, coloration, and shape.