Amblygobius phalaena

Amblygobius phalaena is an Indo-Pacific goby that lives on sandy and rubble bottoms near reefs, where it forages by taking in sand and sifting out small benthic organisms, detritus, and organic particles. Its subdued body color, marked with bands and spots, gives it a natural appearance that blends well with marine aquariums, while its active sand-sifting behavior makes it an interesting species to observe in the lower areas of the tank. To keep Amblygobius phalaena healthy in captivity, it is important to provide a mature aquarium with a broad area of fine, smooth sand, secure rockwork that will not collapse from digging, and regular feedings of enriched frozen foods or sinking marine diets so that its constant foraging does not lead to gradual weight loss.