Ptereleotris
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
Ptereleotris zebra, Zebra Dartfish. Scott W. Michael
Family: Ptereleotridae
Species in Genus Ptereleotris:
DARTFISHES
Dartfishes are wonderful additions to the reef aquarium as they are no threat to ornamental invertebrates. They are, however, notorious for jumping out of open aquariums, and some sort of top is required.
Dartfishes eat most aquarium foods, including finely chopped seafood, frozen preparations, mysid shrimps, Cyclop-eeze, and flake food. They feed on zooplankton in the wild and should be fed twice a day.
Because of their very peaceful nature, they can be kept in mixed aggregations and housed with conspecifics. They tend to fare better if you place several individuals in the same tank.
The tank should have a sand bed with several flat rocks lying on the surface. Excavate a depression in the sand and place a rock over it or let them dig their own holes. If you place dartfishes in an aquarium with aggressive tankmates, they will often hide and not eat. It is common for them to hide for a week or more during acclimation.
They are fairly disease- and parasite-resistant. Be aware that they will swim into the intake tube of canister filters if the protective strainers are left off, and they may also plunge into overflow boxes.