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Basics

Scientific Name: Valenciennea wardii

Family: Gobiidae

Origin: Indo Pacific, Sri Lanka, Indonesia

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 3-5 years, likely longer
• Reef Compatible: Yes
• Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
• Maximum Size: 5.2"
• Diet: Carnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Overview 

The Tiger Watchman Goby is also commonly known as the Tiger Sleeper Goby, Ward's Tiger Goby, or Ward's Sleeper Goby. It's base color is white with thick brown banding and a distinct black spot on it's dorsal fin. The face displays a vivid blue stripe. 

Since it lives on the bottom of the tank, it requires live sand. It will spend it's time sifting through it looking for food. It isn't aggressive towards other fish and can live fine in both a reef and community tank, but may be territorial and fight with it's own kind unless they are a mated pair. It should be fed meaty live and frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp, and may also learn to eat pellets placed in the sand for it to find.