{"product_id":"bella-sleeper-goby","title":"Bella Sleeper Goby","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby (\u003cem\u003eValenciennea bella\u003c\/em\u003e) is recognizable by variable reddish or orange tones, a yellowish snout, and blue cheek lines. Color and pattern may vary with age and individual condition. Use broad, mature sand and monitor the belly from the side. Some adults sift away from shelter and scatter sand onto nearby frags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural range is Western Pacific, including Okinawa and the Philippines. It is associated with sand and rubble near reef structure. It searches the bottom for small edible material and uses nearby structure or a burrow as cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the aquarium, give the Bella Sleeper Goby a mature system with its own feeding area and a retreat suited to its behavior. Plan space for the adult and check that faster fish cannot take all the food before it reaches the intended area. Prepare the permanent aquarium around its adult requirements even if the fish arrives small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 2.7 inches (6.9 cm, standard length)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Pacific, including Okinawa and the Philippines\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eValenciennea bella\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse at least 30 gallons for long-term adult housing. The species reaches 2.7 inches (6.9 cm standard length) based on published measurements. Standard length excludes the tail fin. Leave additional space around the fish’s retreat to accommodate its full length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a wide, mature bed of fine sand with open areas large enough for the adult to forage. Set the main rock structures on a stable base so the fish can excavate without undermining them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep exposed sand away from vulnerable low coral placements and leave a path for siphoning around the rocks. Watch where the fish releases sand and adjust the position of frags if sediment starts to collect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintain a secure cover and stable rockwork.\u003c\/strong\u003e Close gaps at cable runs and plumbing. Check that rock is firmly supported, particularly where a burrow or shifting sand could undermine a piece. Leave a clear path around the shelter for feeding and routine maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse an established biological filter with steady circulation and surface agitation. Set up the main retreat before introducing the fish so it can find cover promptly. Keep loose sand and rubble clear of intakes and check low areas for trapped food after the fish rearranges the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObserve how the fish uses the layout after introduction. The first shelter it selects may differ from the one you planned. Shift the feeding location to its actual retreat, and make sure there is another route to cover if a tankmate begins using the same area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby is a carnivore that takes small animal foods. Deliver fine sinking meaty foods directly to the active sand zone. Mature sand contributes microfauna, but feed prepared foods routinely and check the belly from the side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRotate suitable foods from these options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAppropriately sized mysis or enriched brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely chopped marine shrimp or other marine seafood\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBalanced frozen marine carnivore preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall sinking marine pellets once accepted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer one or two small meals per day as a starting point. Adjust portions to the fish’s size and what it takes during each meal. Offer sinking food across more than one portion of the sand bed when other fish use the same foraging area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVerify that the fish swallows the food.\u003c\/strong\u003e An approach or a feeding strike does not establish how much it ate. Observe several meals, especially when a new fish stays under cover. A reluctant new arrival may respond first to small frozen or enriched live foods. Introduce complete preparations as feeding becomes consistent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch for a pinched belly, repeated spitting, or a change in the fish’s usual feeding position. Try smaller particles or a second delivery point before increasing the total amount offered. Remove leftovers that collect under ledges or settle where the fish rarely feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep with tankmates that allow access to the sand and the burrow entrance. Two similar sand sifters can compete across the entire bottom, so provide separate foraging zones or keep one fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby is generally peaceful toward unrelated fish. Most stocking problems appear when another fish can occupy the only retreat or reach every feeding location first. Give tankmates an alternate route and use rockwork to interrupt sight lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSigns of a poor match include sustained chasing, fins held close to the body, and a fish that repeatedly misses meals or stays out of view during its usual active period. Offer food near an alternate shelter and monitor whether the fish resumes feeding. Use a divider or separate suitable housing if it continues to lose access to food or cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Bella Sleeper Goby is \u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe Caution\u003c\/strong\u003e. Sand may settle onto low corals or frags, especially near the main burrow or foraging lane. Keep sensitive colonies above those areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange the display with those interactions in mind and observe the fish after changes to rockwork or coral placement. Where necessary, move vulnerable livestock to a position the fish rarely uses and check that it remains able to feed normally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–78°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse a fully cycled aquarium and keep ammonia and nitrite undetectable. Maintain steady specific gravity through top-off and match replacement saltwater during water changes. Check temperature and flow after maintenance or changes to the equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatch how feeding affects nutrient levels over several days. Clean mechanical filtration before trapped food decomposes and siphon accessible debris. Keep oxygenation steady overnight and during warm weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstablish a baseline for the fish’s activity, feeding response, and use of its retreat. A quiet or cryptic fish may still be feeding normally when approached at the right time of day. A marked change from that routine warrants a check of water quality, temperature, and tankmate behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Housing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide 30 gallons or more for adult housing. Up to 2.7 inches (6.9 cm, standard length).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpecies Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use broad, mature sand and monitor the belly from the side. Some adults sift away from shelter and scatter sand onto nearby frags.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start with one or two small meals per day. Confirm how much the fish swallows and track body condition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShelter and Equipment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide suitable cover, secure the lid, and keep intakes safe for the fish’s size.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTankmate Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose fish that leave access to food and a retreat. Check for repeated chasing or missed meals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReef Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sand may settle onto low corals or frags, especially near the main burrow or foraging lane. Keep sensitive colonies above those areas.\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":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/BellaGoby.png?v=1789070014","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/bella-sleeper-goby","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}