The Brown Barred sleeper goby has a beautiful dark body compared to most other sand sifting gobies, giving it a lovely contrast against white sand. Mature fish have wide charcoal colored bands on their bodies, and each band is outlined in a shimmering blue. Red polka dots adorn their forehead, and their cheeks have blue stripes. Their fins have even more polka dots and gorgeous black edging. It is also known by the common names of dragon and bullet goby. It may be helpful in consuming flatworms and algae from the aquarium. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 6 inches; we recommend an aquarium 50 gallons or larger.

Sand sifting, or sleeper gobies, are famous for their busy work of keeping the sand looking clean and free of debris. They require a fine sand bed of at least two inches in order to feel secure and also to exhibit normal behavior, which includes near constant sifting of the sand through their gills. They do this to extract any edible particles, such as small shrimp and copepods, worms, algae and more. They are so efficient at eating micro-fauna from the sand that unless the aquarium is large we do not recommend keeping them with live-food dependent species such as dragonets or signal gobies.

Sand sifting gobies have large mouths and may eat very small fish or shrimp, but are peaceful with all other types of fish. They may fight with other sifter gobies unless each fish is given at least 50 gallons worth of space. We recommend the tank be securely covered as sand dwelling gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria. Their bottom sifting activities also leave them vulnerable to intestinal parasites and we recommend de-worming them before adding to a display aquaria.

Sleeper gobies are commonly mistaken as watchman gobies; however sifter gobies are lone fish that do not pair with a pistol shrimp. If two fish are added to a sufficiently large aquarium at the same time it may be possible to keep a pair of sleeper gobies.

Sleeper gobies are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed more than once a day. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.

As one of the largest families of fish there are near countless varieties of gobies which inhabit every different niche on the reef. They are coral safe and typically quite active and friendly with other fish. They have the ability to change sex to form pairs, although they don't always do so. Most gobies are imported from the Philippines.

Gobies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, etc.

FREE SHIPPING OVER $99.00!*

$9.95 FLAT RATE FOR LESS THAN $99.00 - CANADA AND LOWER 48 US WIDE!

*EXCEPTIONS:

• Light Bulbs over 36" are shipped at a flat rate of $9.95. No quantity Limit. You can ship one or one hundred bulbs for the same price (valid for both Canada and the US).
• Any heavy or bulky items will incur a 100% charge of the actual shipping cost (valid for both Canada and the US). Heavy bulky items include (but are not limited to): salt, dry rock, sand, chillers, sumps, aquariums, stands, and some filter media.
• Frozen or perishable food can only be shipped via UPS Express. We have discounted the express shipping of these items to help the hobbyist out.
• Livestock is covered by a different shipping policy. To view the policy and further information regarding shipping livestock, click here.

General Notes:

• We always make our best effort to ship your order via the carrier chosen during the check-out process; however, for some multi-piece shipments and/or remote destinations, we must reserve the right to use another carrier at our discretion (and without prior notice). If you require notice of any changes made to the carrier, please mention it in the special instructions during check-out.
• Upon request, we will do our best to ship your dry goods as per your specifications (courier, airlines, on your account, etc.).
• Quoted rates are the carriers live discounted shipping rates after adjusting for any/all shipping promotions.

Aquarium Equipment Returns

• All returns and/or exchanges must be made within 14 days of receipt of product.
• Products may only be returned unused, and in original unopened packaging.
• J&L Aquatics reserves the right to charge a non-refundable 20% restocking charge for any/all returned merchandise (excluding exchanges).
• J&L Aquatics will not be responsible for return shipping charges. Original shipping charges are non-refundable. If the item was originally shipped under our free shipping policy, the cost of doing so will be removed from the credit. Before returning/exchanging any goods, we require that you authorize your return with J&L Aquatics. Any items returned without our authorization will be declined.
• In the event that your order is damaged by the carrier, a claim will be filed with the carrier company. Upon approval of the claim by the carrier, your original order will be re-shipped to you at no additional cost. If you wish to return the damaged goods for a refund or credit, the 20% restocking charge will be applied. J&L Aquatics will not be held responsible for any/all shipping delays that may occur from time to time.
• Special order & sale items are not returnable under any circumstances.
• Dry Good Order cancellations may also be subject to a 20% restocking charge.
• Orders that are returned or refunded when using Affirm or similar financing are subject to a 5% service charge of the original order amount including tax.