Species: Valenciennea wardi
Common Names: Tiger. Wardi Goby, Ward’s Goby
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Adult Size: Up to 5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Tank Setup: Sandy substrate with live rock and hiding areas
Lighting: Moderate
Water Flow: Moderate
Diet: Carnivorous – brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, prepared marine foods
Compatibility: Peaceful community fish; may pair with pistol shrimp
Jump Risk: High – secure lid recommended
The Tiger Goby, also known as Ward’s Goby (Valenciennea wardi), is one of the most visually striking goby species available for home aquariums. It features a cream-colored body marked by three bold brown vertical bars, an electric blue band beneath each eye, and a distinctive false eyespot on the first dorsal fin. This combination of pattern and color gives the Tiger Wardi an unmistakable and elegant appearance.
This species thrives best in aquariums with a sandy substrate and ample live rock, where it can exhibit natural burrowing and shelter-seeking behavior. Like many gobies, the Tiger or Wardi may form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp, sharing a burrow and providing mutual protection.
The Tiger or Wardi Goby is peaceful and well suited for reef aquariums, but care should be taken to provide a tightly covered tank, as this species is known to jump when startled. It feeds readily on a varied carnivorous diet, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other prepared marine foods.
With proper environment and nutrition, the Tiger or Wardi Goby makes a stunning and rewarding addition to a reef or sand-bed-focused aquarium.
Species: Valenciennea wardi
Common Names: Tiger. Wardi Goby, Ward’s Goby
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Safe: Yes
Adult Size: Up to 5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Tank Setup: Sandy substrate with live rock and hiding areas
Lighting: Moderate
Water Flow: Moderate
Diet: Carnivorous – brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, prepared marine foods
Compatibility: Peaceful community fish; may pair with pistol shrimp
Jump Risk: High – secure lid recommended
The Tiger Goby, also known as Ward’s Goby (Valenciennea wardi), is one of the most visually striking goby species available for home aquariums. It features a cream-colored body marked by three bold brown vertical bars, an electric blue band beneath each eye, and a distinctive false eyespot on the first dorsal fin. This combination of pattern and color gives the Tiger Wardi an unmistakable and elegant appearance.
This species thrives best in aquariums with a sandy substrate and ample live rock, where it can exhibit natural burrowing and shelter-seeking behavior. Like many gobies, the Tiger or Wardi may form a symbiotic relationship with pistol shrimp, sharing a burrow and providing mutual protection.
The Tiger or Wardi Goby is peaceful and well suited for reef aquariums, but care should be taken to provide a tightly covered tank, as this species is known to jump when startled. It feeds readily on a varied carnivorous diet, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other prepared marine foods.
With proper environment and nutrition, the Tiger or Wardi Goby makes a stunning and rewarding addition to a reef or sand-bed-focused aquarium.
