Tiger Goby

Tiger Goby

Valenciennea wardii

The Tiger Goby is a striking sand-sifting goby, admired for its bold tiger-like markings and constantly active behaviour. Throughout the day it methodically sifts mouthfuls of sand, extracting tiny invertebrates before expelling the cleaned substrate back into the aquarium. This natural behaviour helps aerate the sand bed while providing endless interest for observers.

Best suited to mature marine aquariums with a well-established sand bed, the Tiger Goby relies on both natural foraging and regular supplementary feeding. Plenty of secure rockwork should be provided, with rocks resting firmly on the aquarium base before the sand is added, as this species may excavate beneath them while constructing resting areas.

Completely reef safe, the Tiger Goby is an excellent addition to peaceful reef aquariums, although its enthusiastic sand-sifting may occasionally result in sand being deposited onto corals positioned close to the substrate. A tightly fitting lid is also recommended, as gobies are capable jumpers.

• Adult Size: Up to 16cm
• Diet: Carnivore
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Small Fish Safe: Yes
• Invert Safe: Yes
• Coral Safe: Yes

Feeding: Offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine foods and quality sinking marine pellets. A mature sand bed provides valuable natural nutrition, but regular supplementary feeding is essential to maintain excellent body condition.