Bella Goby

Valenciennea bella

Identification	White body with an orange-yellow stripe running from the eye along the upper body, and a second orange-brown streak below. Tall first dorsal fin with a filamentous extension.
Maximum Length	Up to 5 inches (13 cm)
Origin	Western Pacific — Philippines, Indonesia
Minimum Tank Size	30 gallons
Reef Compatible	Yes — reef safe

Behavior

A sleeper goby that lives and burrows in sandy substrate, constantly sifting sand through its gills for food. Best kept with a live sand bed of at least 2–3 inches. Often pairs naturally and is easier to keep as a mated pair.

Diet & Feeding

Sifts sand for meiofauna, copepods, and small organisms. Supplement with frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and fine-particle carnivore foods. Established live sand beds greatly increase long-term success.

Cautions

Requires a fine sand bed to thrive. May jump — keep the tank securely covered.