The Blueband Goby, also known as Valenciennea strigata, is a type of fish belonging to the goby family. It has other names such as Sleeper Gold Head Goby, Golden-head Sleeper Goby, and Pennant Glider.
This fish is native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, where it lives in outer lagoons and near reefs.
Blueband Goby is found in different environments, such as sand, rubble, and hard surfaces at depths between 3 to 82 feet (1 to 25 meters). However, it’s usually found at less than 20 feet (6 meters) deep.
The Blueband Goby mainly lives in burrows under rubble for nesting and protection from predators. These burrows have two entrances, but only one is open; the other is covered by rubble, sand, and algae.
Blueband Goby can be found in aquariums too. It grows up to 7.1 inches (18 centimeters) long and is the main species of its genus Valenciennea.
These fish are commonly found in clear outer lagoon areas and seaward reefs with various bottom types like sand or rubble.
Blueband Gobies are monogamous creatures that eat small benthic invertebrates, fishes, and fish eggs by sifting through mouthfuls of sand.
They are considered reef-safe fish that don’t harm coral reefs or other sea life when kept in an aquarium setting.
Blueband Goby Interesting Facts
- The Blueband Goby thrives in various environments, such as sand, rubble, and hard surfaces, at depths between 3 to 82 feet (1 to 25 meters).
- These fish live in burrows under rubble for nesting and protection from predators, with one open entrance and one covered by debris. They’re usually seen in pairs near their burrow.
- Blueband Gobies are considered reef-safe fish for keeping in an aquarium.
- They form monogamous pairs; both males and females guard each other against potential mates, practicing monogamy.
Blueband Goby Habitat
Blueband Goby is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from East Africa to Tuamoto Islands and from the Ryukyu Islands down to Sydney, Australia, including Lord Howe Island.
It lives in marine environments near coral reefs at depths of 3 to 82 feet (1 to 25 meters), but it’s usually found between 3 to 20 feet (1 to 6 meters). They can also live at depths up to 79 feet (24 meters).
The Blueband Goby prefers water temperatures between 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) and is found in tropical regions between latitudes of 31°N to 35°S and longitudes of 24°E to 132°W.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Blueband Goby Physical Characteristics
Size: 7.1 inches (18.0 centimeters)
The Blueband Goby can grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) long and usually lives for about one year.
It has a pale grey body with a yellow head, and a blue curved stripe extends from below its eye to the gill cover. Its pectoral fin base displays a thin bluish-white bar.
This fish has 7 dorsal spines, 17 to 19 soft dorsal rays, 1 anal spine, and 16 to 19 soft anal rays.
In fish larger than around 4.5 cm (1.8 inches), the second to fourth dorsal spines are longer and appear as filaments.
Blueband Goby’s tail fin is rounded and longer than its head. It has between 101 to 126 scales running along the side of its body.
The body scales are ctenoid (toothed) but become smoother toward the front below the first dorsal fin.
This goby’s head doesn’t have scales on top or along the middle of the neck area, while its sides do have some that reach forward above or slightly before the middle of the gill cover.
Adult gobies have fully scaled pectoral fin bases and areas in front of their pelvic fins.
The depth of this fish’s body is about 4.5 to 5.1 times smaller than its length measured from snout to tail base (standard length).
Blueband Goby Reproduction
Blueband Goby forms distinct pairs. Female gobies lay eggs every 13 days, and males protect the eggs in a burrow for 2 to 3 days.
Both male and female gobies guard each other from potential mates, practicing monogamy.
Monogamous mating is observed in two types: obligate and social. This behavior is possible because all males can hold a nest site, both genders show strong loyalty to their site, and resident fish have an advantage in competing for mates.
Blueband Goby Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Gobiidae |
| Genus: | Valenciennea |
| Scientific Name: | Valenciennea strigata |
| Also Known As: | Blueband Goby, Sleeper Gold Head Goby, Golden-head Sleeper Goby, Pennant Glider |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |