{"product_id":"tiger-wardi-goby","title":"Tiger Wardi Goby","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Tiger Wardi Goby, \u003cem\u003eValenciennea wardii\u003c\/em\u003e, is an attractive sand-sifting marine fish recognized by its pale white to cream body, broad brown vertical bands, delicate blue facial markings, and distinctive black eyespot on the first dorsal fin. Also known as Ward’s Sleeper Goby or Tiger Sleeper Goby, this species combines striking patterning with the fascinating substrate-sifting behavior characteristic of \u003cem\u003eValenciennea\u003c\/em\u003e gobies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Indo-Pacific, \u003cem\u003eValenciennea wardii\u003c\/em\u003e occurs in sandy reef habitats, coastal bays, lagoons, and inner reef environments. It spends much of its time close to the bottom, taking mouthfuls of sand and filtering them for small crustaceans and other edible organisms. Adults can reach approximately 5–6 inches, and adequate bottom area is important for this active benthic fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful toward most marine aquarium fish and compatible with reef systems, the Tiger Wardi Goby is particularly appealing in established aquariums with a mature sand bed. Its constant digging and sifting can help keep the upper substrate turned over, although regular supplemental feeding is essential and its sand-moving behavior should be considered when positioning low-growing corals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 40 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Peaceful\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Carnivore \/ Sand-Sifting Microfauna Feeder\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: Yes\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Indo-Pacific – Indian Ocean and Western Pacific\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eValenciennea wardii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature saltwater aquarium with a broad area of fine, soft sand for continuous sifting and foraging. Fine aragonite sand is preferable to coarse or sharp substrate, which can irritate the mouth and delicate gill structures as the goby repeatedly processes sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInclude secure live rock, caves, overhangs, and small rubble areas where the fish can establish a protected retreat. Because Tiger Wardi Gobies may excavate beneath rockwork, major structures should be positioned securely rather than resting loosely on sand that can be removed from underneath them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA well-established sand bed is strongly preferred because it contains copepods, worms, and other microfauna that supplement prepared foods. Leave substantial open substrate around the aquascape so the goby has sufficient room to forage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA tightly fitted lid or fine-mesh cover is strongly recommended. Like many gobies, this species can jump when startled, particularly during acclimation or territorial interactions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tiger Wardi Goby is a carnivorous sand sifter that searches the substrate for small crustaceans, worms, and other benthic organisms. While a mature sand bed provides valuable natural forage, captive specimens should receive regular supplemental feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, calanus, finely chopped marine seafood, small crustacean-based frozen blends, and appropriately sized sinking carnivore pellets or granules. Food should reach the lower portion of the aquarium where the goby naturally feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall meals two to three times daily are ideal when practical. This is particularly important in newer systems or aquariums where other sand-sifting and pod-eating animals compete for the same natural food supply.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonitor body condition closely. A goby can remain active and continue sifting sand even when the available microfauna is no longer sufficient to maintain proper weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tiger Wardi Goby is peaceful toward most unrelated community fish and generally works well with clownfish, cardinalfish, wrasses, blennies, dwarf angelfish, and other non-predatory marine species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerritorial behavior is most likely toward other \u003cem\u003eValenciennea\u003c\/em\u003e gobies or similar bottom-dwelling sand sifters. This species naturally occurs in pairs, and a confirmed compatible pair can be maintained together when sufficient space and food are available. Unpaired individuals of the same species may fight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large predatory fish and excessively aggressive tankmates that may prevent the goby from feeding or force it away from its preferred burrow and foraging territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite occasionally being called a watchman goby, this is a sleeper goby and does not normally form the classic burrow-sharing partnership with pistol shrimp associated with true shrimp gobies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Tiger Wardi Goby is reef safe and does not normally consume healthy corals, clams, or established ornamental shrimp, crabs, and snails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts primary reef-aquarium consideration is mechanical rather than predatory. Constant sand sifting can deposit substrate onto low-mounted corals, zoanthids, plate corals, and frags. Corals that are easily irritated by sediment should be positioned above the areas where the goby regularly feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLoose rubble and unsecured frags may also be moved as the fish creates or maintains its shelter. Proper placement and stabilization of rockwork will help prevent problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 72–78°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain stable water conditions and avoid sudden changes in temperature, salinity, or pH. Consistent water quality is more important than continually adjusting parameters to reach exact numbers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdults can reach approximately 5–6 inches, so provide sufficient bottom area and open sand for long-term foraging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mature fine sand bed is important for natural feeding behavior and access to supplemental microfauna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular prepared feeding is essential; do not expect the fish to survive indefinitely on organisms found in the sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the aquarium securely covered because sleeper gobies can jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand may be deposited on low-growing corals and frags, and rockwork should be secured against excavation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52532658405674,"sku":"GOBYxWardS","price":47.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52532658438442,"sku":"GOBYxWardSM","price":41.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52532658471210,"sku":"GOBYxTigerWardM","price":47.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52532658503978,"sku":"GOBYxWardML","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"L","offer_id":52532658536746,"sku":"GOBYxWardL","price":83.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52532658569514,"sku":"GOBYxTigerWardX","price":95.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/Firefly_Gemini_Flash_Create_a_premium_underwater_wildlife_portrait_of_this_tiger_wardi_goby_photographed_732674_9615eed8-835b-417f-86c5-98dca8c7c5ff.png?v=1788801584","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/tiger-wardi-goby","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}