Care
In the wild, Orange Spot Gobies inhabit sandy areas of lagoons and seaward reefs. They usually occur in pairs and excavate a shallow burrow from bits of rubble as a safe refuge. A large mature reef aquarium with a deep sand bed and a well-established refugium are essential for this species, which is recommended for advanced aquarists only. Orange Spot Gobies like to dig burrows underneath rocks and coral bases, so be sure that any structures are secure, and that there is a good depth of (live) sand in most parts of the aquarium. 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 overly particular where they dump the sand they have sifted, and as it is usually expelled whilst the fish are in motion, it can sometimes 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. Orange Spot Gobies should not be kept alongside other members of the Valenciennea genus as they will quarrel. This species occurs over quite a range, and regional colour variations are known. Capable of jumping from open topped aquaria.
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. (De-worming these fish in a quarantine tank, prior to adding to the main display would be very beneficial). Offer small amounts of food several times per day, target feeding if necessary.
Breeding
Captive breeding reports are few and far between. In the wild, these fish have been observed spawning inside small caves/burrows. The female will stay inside the burrow with the eggs for several days, whilst the male closes off the entrance and guards the perimeter.
