Care
Blue Cheek gobies like to excavate burrows underneath coral bases or rocks, so be sure that any structures are secure, and that there is a good depth of (live) sand in most parts of the aquarium. A large mature reef aquarium with a deep sand bed is a must for this species, which is recommended for advanced aquarists only. This will not only enable them to create a burrow, but is also a vital lifeline for them as they sift through this substrate in search for tiny invertebrate food items. The sand is taken in through the mouth, the food items swallowed, and the remaining sand expelled through the gills. These fish are not particular where they dump the sand they have sifted, and as it is usually expelled whilst the fish are in motion, it can end up dropping down onto and swamping prized corals. For this reason, they are not always a welcome addition to aquaria containing delicate coral life, and careful planning is needed. However, if their requirements can be met, it must be said that these fish do a remarkably good job of overturning the substrate and keeping it looking fresh. Wherever possible, this is a species that should be maintained in a compatible pair. Blue Cheek gobies should not be kept alongside other members of the Valenciennea genus as they will quarrel. Capable of jumping from open topped aquaria. May also be seen on sale as Yellow Headed Sleeper Goby.
Feeding
This species gains the vast majority of its food through sifting the contents of large established sand beds for invertebrate life. Diet can be supplemented with small sized vitamin-enriched meaty frozen foods. They will starve to death in tanks without a mature sand bed.
Breeding
In the wild, this species is said to spawn as often as every 14 days. The female will stay in the burrow with the eggs for up to 4 days, whilst the male patrols the entrance.
