The Railway Goby (Valenciennea helsdingenii), also known as the Twostripe Goby or Black-lined Sleeper Goby, is a species of goby from the Indo-Pacific.

Distribution and Habitat

The Railway Goby is found in the temperate and tropical waters of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. From the coast of East Africa, the southern Red Sea, the Maldives, southeast India and Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Australia, western Oceania, and Japan. It is usually found on outer reefs at the bottom of coral or rocky dropoffs.

Physical Description

The Railway Goby can grow up to a length of 25 cm (9.8 in). It has an elongated laterally compressed body that is predominantly white to pale gray in color with a darker brownish gray dorsal surface. It has two prominent orange to black lines running longitudinally on the sides of its body. A large oval black spot is present between the third and fifth spines of the dorsal fin.

Diet and Feeding

The Railway Goby is carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates. It feeds by sifting sand through its mouth to extract small digging organisms. In captivity it accepts brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and prepared foods.

Behavior and Reproduction

This species is usually found in pairs but can be found alone in silty flat sand patches or rubble substrates. Eggs hatch two days after spawning and the larvae reach lengths of 5.25 mm after 35 days.

Aquarium Care

It requires a tank of at least 50 gallons with a deep sand bed for sifting and burrowing. It is peaceful and reef-safe. It should be kept with peaceful tankmates and provided plenty of live rock.

Conservation Status

Classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.