Firefish
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A delicate looking but durable species when kept with peaceful tankmates. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Although timid in the presence of large and aggressive tankmates, this is a durable, attractive fish that can be kept in smaller aquariums and is perfect for the peaceful reef tank.
Family: Ptereleotridae
Other common name(s):
- Red Firefish
- Fire Dartfish
- Magnificent Dartfish
- Fire Goby
Native range:
- Indo-Pacific
- East Africa
- Hawaii
- Marquesas Islands
- Pitcairn Islands
- Ryukyu Islands
- New Caledonia
- Austral Islands
- Micronesia
Habitat: Reef-sand interface. Flat rocks with depressions dug underneath them provide excellent shelter sites.
Maximum length: 7.9 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 38 L (10 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: Midwater to bottom.
[edit] Feeding
Carnivore. Feed meaty foods, such as enriched brine shrimp and mysid shrimp, at least once a day.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
While passive toward most other species, it will quarrel with members of its own kind. Therefore, it is best to keep one or a pair in the same tank. (The firefishes are often found as monogamous pairs in the wild.) Sexing individuals is difficult. Firefish have also been known to fight with their close relative, the Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora). These fish are potential prey for a wide variety of fish tankmates, so select their neighbors carefully. In a boisterous aquarium, it may hide constantly and not compete successfully for food. It is not a threat to ornamental invertebrates.
[edit] Notes
This lovely species hovers over the substrate, twitching its dorsal spine, possibly to communicate with members of its own kind. It takes most of its food from the water column. Firefishes are skilled jumpers; keep only in a covered aquarium.
| Common name | Firefish +, Red Firefish +, Fire Dartfish +, Magnificent Dartfish +, and Fire Goby + |
| Family | Ptereleotridae + |
| Genus | Nemateleotris + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 3 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 10 gal + |
| Native range | Indo-Pacific +, East Africa +, Hawaii +, Marquesas Islands +, Pitcairn Islands +, Ryukyu Islands +, New Caledonia +, Austral Islands +, and Micronesia + |
| Reference | 101 Best Saltwater Fishes + |
| Specific name | magnifica + |
| Swimming level | Midwater to bottom. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |