Description
Scientific Name: Valenciennea helsdingenii
Common Names: Twostripe Goby, Railway Sleeper Goby, Black-lined Sleeper Goby, Two-Stripe Goby, Glider Goby
Maximum Length: 7″
Minimum Aquarium Size: 30 Gallons
Aquarium Suitability: Generally Durable and Hardy
Diet: Carnivorous; sifts sand for small invertebrates like copepods and worms. Supplement with meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood; feed multiple times daily to mimic natural foraging.
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful; generally compatible with non-aggressive tankmates but may compete with other bottom-dwellers for territory.
Captive Care: The Railway Sleeper Goby engages observers with its constant sand-sifting and burrow-building, turning the aquarium floor into a living landscape reminiscent of outer reef edges. Suitable for intermediate hobbyists, it requires a fine-grained sand substrate (1-2 mm deep, at least 2-3 inches) for natural feeding and burrowing, plus rock formations for shelter. Best kept singly or in pairs; quarantine new arrivals for 2–4 weeks to avoid ich, and use a tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping. Fun
Facts:
- Sand Sifter Supreme: Valenciennea helsdingenii can process up to 260 mouthfuls of sand in just 10 minutes while hunting for prey, helping to aerate and clean the substrate in your tank.
- Burrow Architect: This goby constructs shallow burrows in sandy areas, often rearranging the substrate, which adds an interactive element to aquarium maintenance.
- Escape Artist: Known for its ability to jump out of open aquariums, emphasizing the need for secure lids in captive setups.
- Deep Reef Dweller: Native to the Indo-Pacific, it inhabits outer reefs at depths up to 30 meters, favoring silty or sandy drop-offs near coral or rocky structures.
