Zebra Barred Dartfish (Ptereleotris Zebra)

Size: only S, M

Species Name : Ptereleotris Zebra

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Green, Orange

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 : 4"

Origin : Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives

Family : Microdesmidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Zebra Barred Dartfish (Ptereleotris Zebra)  is also referred to as the Zebra Dart Goby, Bar Goby, Barred Dartfish, Zebra Goby, or Chinese Zebra Goby.

Ptereleotris Zebra are recognized by their unique torpedo like shape. Its attractive slender body has numerous vertical, evenly-spaced thin orange stripes displaying an intricate pattern. Both the head and body of the Zebra Dart Goby are light green. They are very peaceful and are constantly found in the water column once adjusted to the aquarium.

Zebra Dart Gobies are great school fish but require larger aquariums due to their 5 inch full size. A tank of at least 30 gallons or larger with a sandy bottom, plants, and coral will provide a healthy environment. Dartfish are often skittish and easily frightened; a tight-fitting lid is recommended to keep the fish from jumping out of the aquarium. After first introducing a Dartfish, it is advizable to dim the light, so it can get used to the tank in peace. All Dartfish need hiding places where they can withdraw to when feeling threatened. They do not normally naturally dig their own holes, but use ones made by other creatures. Small groups or pairs tend to do better in an aquarium than a single individual, but all need to be introduced to the tank simultaneously and have plenty of swimming room.

Zebra Dartfish are quite peaceful and are completely safe with other fish, coral species, and ornamental invertebrates, but should not be housed with overly aggressive tank mates that may pick on them. They can easily feel threatened by larger more aggressive fish with the result that they cannot feed enough and die by lack of food.

They do best on a diet of live foods like plankton and small crustaceans but will also eat small meaty frozen foods. Diet can consist of small meaty frozen foods or small flake and pellet foods. 

Size: 1-1/2" to 4"