Broad Barred Sleeper Goby

Characterized by pale grey to whitish body color with three brown bars on side; blue-white band below eye; first dorsal fin with ocellated black spot; presence of narrow dark brown saddles below anterior part of second dorsal fin and dorsally on caudal peduncle; brown with narrow blue margin, outer half of caudal fin; without filamentous dorsal spines; rounded caudal fin, equal or slightly shorter than head; longitudinal scale series 70-88; ctenoid body scales, becoming cycloid anteriorly in front of first dorsal fin; head or midline of nape without scales; side of nape with scales extending forward slightly anterior to opening of gill; pectoral fin base and prepelvic area usually scaled; depth of body 5.0-5.5 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 112; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 11 - 12

Found in sandy areas of shallow lagoon reefs. Inhabits coastal bays and inner reefs, usually on deep silty slopes from about 15 meters down (Ref. 48637). Occurs in pairs (Ref. 90102).

aquarium: commercial

Valenciennea wardii, Ward's sleeper, Ward's sleeper goby, is a species of goby native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean in bays, reefs and lagoons at depths of from 12 to 35 metres (39 to 115 ft). It can be found on sandy or silty substrates. This species can reach a length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in) SL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade. The specific name honours the United Kingdom diplomat Swinburne Ward (1830-1897) who was Her Majesty's Civil Commissioner for the Seychelles, although this species was described from specimens collected off Zanzibar.

Observed in burrows on silty sand bottoms of the Red Sea.