Chalk Goby

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons (190 litres)

• Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity (Salinity): 1.020–1.025

• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH

• Ammonia & Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrate:< 10 ppm

• Aquascape: Provide a deep sandy substrate (3–5 inches) for burrowing and sand-sifting, along with live rock for shelter and open swimming areas

Chalk Gobies thrive in well-established aquariums with stable water parameters and sufficient sand for digging and sifting.

Diet and Feeding

Chalk Gobies are carnivorous sand sifters and require a diet rich in protein:

• Frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood

• High-quality sinking pellets formulated for carnivorous marine fish

• Feed 2–3 times daily, sprinkling food over the substrate to encourage natural foraging behavior

Regular feeding ensures proper nutrition and supports natural sand-sifting activity.

Temperament and Compatibility

Chalk Gobies are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that coexist well with other non-aggressive species. They may form small pairs and are territorial toward other gobies of the same species only in confined spaces.

Tankmate Recommendations:

• Suitable: Clownfish, small tangs, blennies, firefish, and other peaceful reef fish

• Avoid: Large predatory or aggressive fish

Ample sand substrate and hiding spots help reduce stress and support natural behaviors.

Reef Compatibility

✅ Reef Safe

Chalk Gobies are reef safe, posing no threat to corals or sessile invertebrates. Their sand-sifting behavior can even help maintain a clean substrate in reef aquariums.

Additional Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 15 cm (6 inches)

• Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Natural Behavior: Peaceful, sand-sifter, often seen sifting substrate for food; may form pairs

• Origin: Indo-Pacific reefs, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and northern Australia

The Chalk Goby (Valenciennea sexguttata) is a peaceful, active, and visually subtle marine fish that adds natural behavior and substrate maintenance to community and reef aquariums. With stable water conditions, a protein-rich diet, and ample sand substrate, it thrives as a long-lived and engaging member of the aquarium community.