Fire Dartfish (Nemateleotris Magnifica)

Species Name : Nemateleotris Magnifica

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Orange, Red, White, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 3"

Origin : Africa, Coral Sea, Maldives, Philippines

Family : Gobiidae

Minimum Tank Size : 20 gallons

The Fire Dartfish (Nemateleotris Magnifica) is one of the more popular fish in the marine hobby. The name "dartfish" comes from this fish's habit of darting quickly back into hiding whenever it feels threatened or frightened. It is a magnificent fish with brilliant coloration, a unique body shape, and unparalleled personality.

A Firefish Goby is a long, slender fish. Its face is yellow, its front half is white, its rear half is red. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins are highlighted in black. Their dorsal fins are very long, and the fish flicks it back and forth. In addition to its striking coloration, the Firefish Goby is also heralded as a sweet-tempered fish with lots of personality.  As a full grown adult, it reaches a maximum length of 9 centimetres (3.5 in). And, because of its small size, the Firefish Goby makes a great addition to the smaller reef system. 

To best recreate their wild habitat, the Firefish Goby requires a 20-gallon or larger system with moderate lighting conditions and a moderate current passing over the live rock "reef." Keep in mind that a stressed Firefish Goby will try to jump out of your aquarium. As such, house the Firefish Goby in aquarium systems with a lid. The docile, Firefish Goby is timid and in the wild, each will have a "bolt-hole" into which it quickly ducks when threatened. In the home aquarium, the Firefish Goby needs multiple safety zones amongst rocky crags or outcroppings into which it can dart if stressed.

This member of the Gobiidae family is generally not aggressive towards other fish except those of its own species. They are considered reef safe and they are peaceful and sociable. Potential tankmates may include two gobies of the same species, clownfish, or shrimp gobies. Slow-moving, timid tankmates are recommended. Gobies are easily eaten by triggers, lionfish, and large angelfish.

Nemateleotris Magnifica are omnivores. Along with algae and zooplankton growing in the aquarium, the diet of the Firefish Goby should consist of vitamin-enriched brine fish (live or frozen), mysis shrimp, and prepared marine foods. They should be fed two times per day. 

Size: Small: 1" to 1-1/2"; Medium: 1-1/2" to 2"; Large: 2" to 3"