Valenciennea puellaris (Diamond Watchmen Goby) Pelagic Larvae Care

[eneg]

Recently I’ve been reading about diamond watchmen goby husbandry and from what I’ve gathered it seems as if captive breeding is a totally attainable goal. Unfortunately the big roadblock is the pelagic larval state they go through. Have you guys heard of any efforts at raising them and the way that is being done, or have any ideas as to how to get them through this tumultuous period? Any input is appreciated. Thanks

 

[ichthyogeek]

Probably with rotifers, copepod larvae, and/or ciliates. And a loooot of TLC with big round tubs or kresels. Most of what I know about goby breeding is restricted to Stonogobiops and Cryptocentrus, with the fish laying the eggs in the burrows.

 

[pcon]

Welcome To R2R!

I don't believe anyone has bred any Valenciennea gobies in captivity. They are not on the 2019 Reef 2 Rainforest list. Seem to be a benthic spawner, like other gobies. Apocyclops panamensis and Parvocalanus crassirostris, nauplii seem to be the top candidates for first feeds. Here is a MBI log of a pretty successful and prolific marine breeder's attempt at it. I would assume that pelagic stage care is similar to other gobiidae.