Tiger Goby

Valenciennea wardii

Also sold as: the Tiger Wardi Goby — the same fish (Valenciennea wardii).

Identification	White body with an orange stripe from snout through the eye, and irregular orange spots and dashes arranged in vertical bands along the sides — the "tiger" pattern.
Maximum Length	Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Origin	Indo-Pacific — East Africa to Pacific Islands
Minimum Tank Size	30 gallons
Reef Compatible	Yes

Behavior

Also known as the Ward’s Sleeper Goby. A sand-sifting sleeper goby that actively excavates burrows and constantly moves sand to feed. Best kept as a mated pair. Can be housed with most peaceful reef fish. Will cohabit the same burrow system as a pistol shrimp.

Diet & Feeding

Sifts sand for meiofauna, copepods, and detritus. Supplement with frozen mysis, frozen brine shrimp, and quality carnivore pellets. Needs a well-established live sand bed to thrive long-term.

Cautions

Requires fine sand substrate. Cover all openings — this goby jumps readily when startled.