{"product_id":"bella-goby","title":"Bella Sleeper Goby","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby (\u003cem\u003eValenciennea bella\u003c\/em\u003e) is an exceptionally attractive sand-sifting goby known for its elegant body shape, subtle reddish to pale gray coloration, yellowish snout, and brilliant blue stripes across the cheeks. Mature specimens may develop elongated yellow dorsal-fin filaments, while adult males can display distinctive dark coloration around the throat and mouth. Its combination of refined patterning and constant activity makes it a standout bottom-dwelling saltwater fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Pacific, including Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines, this species inhabits coastal coral reefs with mixtures of sand, rubble, and rock. It spends much of the day taking mouthfuls of substrate and separating tiny crustaceans and other edible material from the sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby is an excellent choice for an established reef aquarium with a mature sand bed. Its peaceful temperament and natural sand-sifting behavior add both visual interest and constant activity, although it requires regular supplemental feeding and should not be expected to survive solely on organisms living within the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 30 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Carnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: With Caution\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Western Pacific – Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eValenciennea bella\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature aquarium with a broad area of fine, soft sand for natural foraging. The Bella Sleeper Goby continuously takes mouthfuls of substrate while searching for small crustaceans and other edible organisms, making an established sand bed an important part of its environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInclude live rock, rubble, caves, and protected overhangs where the fish can establish a secure resting area. Rock structures should be positioned securely on the aquarium base rather than balanced loosely on the sand, as sleeper gobies may excavate around their foundations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave generous open areas of exposed substrate for sifting. Moderate water movement and good filtration are appropriate, but excessive current directly across the sand bed should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly secured aquarium lid is strongly recommended. Sleeper gobies can jump when frightened, chased, or newly introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby is primarily carnivorous and naturally feeds on tiny benthic invertebrates, including copepods and other small crustaceans collected while sifting sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer a varied diet of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped krill, finely chopped shrimp, and high-quality frozen marine blends. Small sinking pellets can also be offered once readily accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoods that settle near the substrate are especially appropriate and encourage natural feeding behavior. Feed small portions one to two times daily, ensuring that enough food reaches the bottom before faster tankmates consume it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough a mature sand bed provides valuable supplemental nutrition, it should not be relied upon as the fish's sole food source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby is generally peaceful and works well with other non-aggressive marine aquarium fish. Suitable tankmates include clownfish, cardinalfish, peaceful wrasses, blennies, anthias, firefish, and other appropriately sized community species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt may become territorial toward other sleeper gobies or similar bottom-dwelling species if aquarium space is limited. Providing separate caves and sufficient open sand can help reduce competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species may occur singly or in pairs in nature. A compatible pair can be maintained in an appropriately sized aquarium, but two unrelated adults should not be assumed to form a peaceful pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large predatory or highly aggressive fish that may intimidate the goby or prevent it from feeding adequately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef Safe: With Caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby does not normally consume coral tissue and is generally compatible with reef aquariums. Its primary reef consideration is its constant sand-sifting behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand may be expelled onto low-growing corals, zoanthids, clam mantles, or coral frags positioned close to the substrate. Sensitive specimens should therefore be elevated or positioned away from heavily sifted areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe goby will also consume copepods, small worms, and other microfauna living within the sand bed. Larger ornamental shrimp, snails, and established crabs are generally not typical prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water quality is more important than maintaining one exact value within these ranges. Avoid rapid changes in salinity, temperature, or pH, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRequires a mature sand bed with ample open substrate for natural sifting and foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular supplemental feeding is essential; do not rely exclusively on sand-bed microfauna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMay deposit sand onto low-positioned corals, clam mantles, and unsecured frags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRockwork should be securely supported because sleeper gobies may excavate around its base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly secured aquarium lid is recommended because this species may jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S (1.6-2\")","offer_id":52086177038634,"sku":"GOBxBelS","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM (2.1-2.5\")","offer_id":52811789205802,"sku":"GOBxBelSM","price":119.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"M (2.6-3.25\")","offer_id":52811789238570,"sku":"GOBxBelM","price":143.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"ML (3.26-4\")","offer_id":52811789271338,"sku":"GOBxBelML","price":158.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L (4.1-4.5\")","offer_id":52811789304106,"sku":"GOBxBelL","price":173.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL (4.6-5.5\")","offer_id":52811789336874,"sku":"GOBxBelX","price":188.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/BellaGoby.png?v=1789070014","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/bella-goby","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}