Description
Valenciennea puellaris, commonly known as the Orange-spotted sleeper-goby, is a small, slender species of goby found in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific Ocean. They are characterized by their pale grey to brownish-grey body with a blue-edged orange stripe along the lower sides, orange dashes along the upper sides, and pale blue dashes on the head.
Key features of Valenciennea puellaris include:
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Body Shape: Slender and elongated with a rounded caudal fin.
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Coloration: Pale grey or brownish-grey with distinct orange markings. Pacific fish have a pale grey body with orange spots, while Indian Ocean fish have a pale blue-grey body with an orange stripe across the lower head and orange bars on the sides.
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Scales: Ctenoid body scales that become cycloid anteriorly before the first dorsal fin.
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Head: Lack scales on the head or midline of the nape, with scales extending forward on the side of the nape.
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Fins: The third dorsal spine is the longest and filamentous in juveniles.
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Habitat: Inhabit lagoons and outer reefs, with sandy substrates and rubble for burrows.
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Behavior: Usually found in monogamous pairs, seeking refuge in shallow burrows.
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Diet: Sift through sand for invertebrates, but may also consume small frozen foods.
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Breeding: Spawning occurs in small caves or burrows, with the female guarding the eggs.
