Sleeper Striped Goby

Valenciennea longipinnis, commonly known as the Sleeper Striped Goby, is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its slender body, distinct horizontal stripes, elongated fins, and efficient sand-sifting behavior. It is a practical and attractive addition to reef aquariums, helping to maintain substrate cleanliness while displaying subtle but elegant coloration.

Males typically develop longer and more pronounced dorsal fins and may show slightly bolder coloration, especially during courtship or territorial displays. Females/juveniles tend to have shorter fins and slightly more subdued patterns. They reach about 5 to 6 inches in adult size and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons, although larger tanks provide more foraging area and reduce territorial stress.

Provide a deep sandbed for sifting and burrowing, scattered live rock for hiding and foraging, and open swimming space, along with a secure lid, as this goby is prone to jumping. Stable water parameters are essential—salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4.

Diet should consist of meaty fare such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality sinking pellets. This goby also naturally feeds by sifting sand to extract microfauna, so a mature, biodiverse sandbed is beneficial.

With its peaceful temperament and substrate-cleaning habits, the Sleeper Striped Goby is a functional and graceful addition to marine aquariums, especially in community reef environments.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.