Bella Goby (Valenciennea bella)

The Bella Goby is a small, peaceful, and attractive sand-sifting fish, known for its slender body adorned with soft orange and white markings and striking blue accents around the eyes. Highly active, it constantly sifts through the substrate in search of food, helping to aerate the sandbed and maintain a clean aquarium environment.

Size: Typically grows up to 4 inches in length

Country of Origin: Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia and the Philippines

Latin Name: Valenciennea bella

Care Level: Moderate – thrives in well-established aquariums with stable water parameters, a deep sandbed (at least 2–3 inches), and plenty of open substrate for sifting

Bella Gobies are carnivores that feed on small invertebrates and zooplankton. In captivity, they readily accept finely chopped meaty foods, mysis shrimp, and other small marine fare. They are reef safe, coexisting peacefully with corals, fish, and invertebrates. Their active sand-sifting behavior and graceful movements make them a functional and visually appealing addition to reef aquariums.