| Scientific Name | Valenciennea muralis |
| Common Names | Mural Goby, Striped Sleeper Goby |
| Max Length | 6 inches (15 cm) |
| Min Tank Size | 30 gallons (113 liters) for a single fish; 50 gallons (189 liters) or larger for a pair. Their burrowing habits and need for a spacious sand bed call for a bit more room. |
| Temperament | Peaceful but territorial with their own kind or other bottom-dwellers. They’re best kept singly or as a bonded pair. Pair with calm tankmates like small wrasses, blennies, or dartfish to avoid territory disputes. |
| Reef Safe | ✓ Yes |
The Mural Goby brings a practical charm to marine tanks. Its pale body, marked by dark horizontal stripes, blends into the sandy substrate it loves to dig. Native to the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands, they thrive in tanks with a deep, fine sand bed for burrowing and live rock for cover. Their tireless digging creates small burrows, adding a unique personality to the tank. They may jump from open tanks, so a secure lid is recommended. A solid choice for aquarists who enjoy an active, low-maintenance fish.
Carnivorous, sifting sand for small invertebrates and organic matter in the wild. In aquariums, offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, or finely chopped seafood, supplemented with sinking pellets. Feed small amounts 1-2 times daily, though they may benefit from more frequent feedings to match their active lifestyle. A deep, fine sand bed allows natural foraging, keeping them healthy.
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