Feeding Sleeper Gold Head Goby ?

[eleyan]

I got this Sleeper Gold Head Goby about a month ago, he is about 2.5-3 inches long. He looks very healthy and constantly sifting through the sand. However, I'm noticing that his stomach is caving in a little since I got him. Some people were telling me that they had success feeding them mysid shrimp. I tried that along with brian shrimp, but this guy just darts under the rocks as soon as I open the top, and I can't tell if he is getting any of them before the other fish finish them off. He is in a 72G tank with live sand substrate and 80lb liverock.The tank has been established for a long time before I added him, but I can't seem to spot any pods in the main tank, only in the overflow. I'm not sure if he is on his way to starvation. Anyone had success feeding these guys?

[DeletedAccount]

When you put in the food try to squirt it near the opening of his abode. He does sift through the sand and eats the pods... have you checked the pod population at night with a flashlight?

[Richard]

Small sinking pellets work great if you can get them to start taking them. They will usually start picking them up off the sand after only a few tries. Kent Reef carnivore pellets are what I have used, but any brand should work as long as they are small enough.

[eleyan]

Small sinking pellets work great if you can get them to start taking them. They will usually start picking them up off the sand after only a few tries. Kent Reef carnivore pellets are what I have used, but any brand should work as long as they are small enough.I've been using Formula One pellets (both carnivor and herbavor pellets). eventually some of them sink to the bottom, but I've never seen him eating them. I'll try dropping some right next to his cave.
My pod population is almost zero. even at nigh, I cant see any with a flash light.

[DeletedAccount]

I have 4 sand sifting gobies (each a different kind) and all of them have eaten Marine Cuisine or frozen brine from day 1. I just had to use a turkey baster and gently put th food right at the opening of the nook so the goby could eat in peace for the first few weeks. Best of luck to you! Gobies are awesome!

[Ed]

I've been using Formula One pellets (both carnivor and herbavor pellets). eventually some of them sink to the bottom, but I've never seen him eating them. I'll try dropping some right next to his cave.

Eleyan,

Try soaking some of the pellets in a cup of tank water for a few minutes before you add them to the tank. They should then sink much faster making it easier for your Goby to get to them.

Good luck.

-Ed

[malofish]

This is a plus and a negative?!?!? for my sleeper gobie(valencia strigata) I used to put a little food right under the surface of the sand with either a turkey baster or push small amouts of food or a small piece of diff. frozen foods and let them thaw under the surface. It seemed to work preet good for my gobie and the snails and the starfish loved it too. Now the bad. Any uneaten food will spoil, you have a pretty large system, so it's up to you??? But i also have brisel worms who can find any thing!!! If you decide to do this place it in a high traffic area, this will help the food be consumed

[Joe]

Try turning off all water flow for a few minutes and throw in some thawed out bloodworms or mysis shrimp????