ALMOST WYSIWYG – Approx. Size: 3-5 Inches
Gold Head Sleeper Goby (Valenciennea strigata)
The Gold Head Sleeper Goby is a peaceful, sand-sifting bottom-dweller prized for its vibrant golden-yellow head and sleek, silvery-white body. Constantly at work sifting sand through its gills, this goby adds both beauty and utility to reef aquariums—helping to aerate the substrate and reduce detritus buildup.
Tank Requirements
Gold Head Sleeper Gobies thrive in aquariums of 40 gallons or more, with a deep sand bed and plenty of open bottom space for foraging. They also appreciate stable rockwork with hiding spots where they can rest or retreat. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as they are known jumpers.
Natural Sand Sifters
These gobies spend most of their time scooping up mouthfuls of sand, filtering out food particles and detritus as the sand exits through their gills. This behavior makes them valuable members of the aquarium's cleanup crew, helping to maintain a clean and oxygenated substrate.
Diet and Feeding
While they naturally feed on microorganisms and organic matter in the sand, supplemental feeding is important, especially in newer or less mature tanks. Offer a varied carnivorous diet including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and sinking meaty pellets or frozen blends to ensure proper nutrition.
Tankmates and Behavior
Gold Head Sleeper Gobies are peaceful and reef-safe, making them excellent additions to community tanks. They may become territorial toward other sand-sifting gobies if space is limited, so it's best to keep only one per tank unless they are a confirmed mated pair. They do not bother corals or invertebrates.
At Top Shelf Aquatics, we take pride in ensuring your order arrives safely and in perfect condition. Here’s everything you need to know about our shipping process:
Livestock Shipping Details
- Flat Rate Shipping:
- $39.99 Out of State
- $34.99 Florida (In-State)
- Orders over $299 ship FREE!
- NO FREE Shipping during Sale Events
- Shipping Days: The calendar during checkout determines when your livestock order will arrive. Normally we ship Monday - Thursday via FedEx Priority Overnight.
Orders placed by 2 PM EST Monday - Thursday ship the same day. Orders placed after 2 PM or on Fridays will ship the next business day. - Delivery Times: Most packages arrive by 10:30 AM EST, though remote areas may experience later deliveries.
We take every measure to protect your livestock, including specialized packaging to maintain temperature and safety during transit.
Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy
In the rare event of a DOA, you must submit a DOA Request within 2 hours of delivery (FedEx posted time). Once submitted, we will issue a replacement or store credit for the livestock. Please note:
- Shipping costs are not included in the credit.
- Refunds are not offered for livestock or shipping.
While we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by mechanical or weather issues, rest assured we’ll do everything possible to make it right!
Reef Guard Protection Plan
For ultimate peace of mind, upgrade to our Reef Guard Protection Plan. With Reef Guard, you’ll enjoy:
- Extended Livestock Guarantee: Coverage for up to 5 days.
- Priority Resolutions: Hassle-free claims with fast resolutions.
- Weather & Shipping Delay Coverage: Includes FedEx lost packages and damages.
Shipping Restrictions
- We currently ship livestock only within the continental U.S.
- Note: Due to Hawaii state law, we are unable to ship corals to Hawaii.
Now’s the perfect time to prepare your aquarium for its new additions. Consider doing a water change and ensuring space is ready. Check out our YouTube channel for detailed care instructions for your new corals!
For any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our support team. We’re here to help make your reefing journey a success!
5 Day Reef Guard Guarantee
Ships FREE with Live Corals
State Aquaculture Facility