The firefish goby, also called the fire dartfish, is a slender, elegant fish prized for its white body that fades into a fiery red-orange tail. Its elongated dorsal fin flicks like a banner as it hovers in the water column picking at passing plankton. Firefish are timid and need calm tankmates.
Fiche technique
| Scientific name | Nemateleotris magnifica |
| Max size | 3 in (8 cm) |
| Min tank size | 20 gal (75 L) |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Carnivore (planktivore) |
| Reef safe | Yes |
| Care level | Easy |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific |
Présentation
The following sections detail exactly how to keep this species thriving in a saltwater reef environment.
Exigences du bac
A tight-fitting lid is mandatory—firefish are notorious jumpers, especially when startled. Provide rock rubble and caves for retreat. A bonded pair can coexist but unmatched individuals will fight. Moderate flow and dim-to-moderate lighting suit them best. Avoid housing near aggressive fish that may chase them into hiding permanently.
Paramètres de l'eau
Maintain standard reef aquarium parameters for long-term health:
- Temperature: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)
- pH: 8.0–8.4
- Salinity: 1.024–1.026 sg
- Alkalinity: 8–11 dKH
- Ammonia / Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: < 20 ppm (lower is better for a reef)
Stability is more important than hitting a specific number. Avoid sudden swings in any parameter.
Alimentation
Feed small, meaty foods: frozen Mysis shrimp, cyclops, enriched brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. They are planktivores that hover mid-water and snatch passing food particles. Feed 2–3 times daily in small quantities. Supplement with vitamin-enriched foods to maintain color.
Comportement et compatibilité
Extremely peaceful. Best kept with other gentle species like clownfish, gobies, blennies, and cardinalfish. Avoid dottybacks, aggressive wrasses, and hawkfish. Keep singly or as a true bonded pair—two unmatched firefish will fight until one is dead.
Reproduction
Firefish form monogamous pairs and build burrows in the substrate. They are substrate spawners but breeding in captivity is rare and larval rearing is very difficult.
Conseils pour réussir
- Seal every gap in your tank lid—firefish can jump through surprisingly small openings.
- Add firefish early in the stocking order so they establish territory before more assertive fish arrive.
- Provide at least one narrow cave or PVC tube for the fish to sleep in at night.
- Do not keep with larger dottybacks or pseudochromis species.
- A pair should be purchased together or introduced simultaneously to reduce aggression.
Questions fréquentes
Why does my firefish hide all day?
New firefish often hide for 1–3 weeks while acclimating. This is normal. Aggressive tankmates can also cause permanent hiding. Ensure no bully fish are present and provide multiple hiding spots so the firefish feels secure enough to venture out.
Will my firefish jump out of the tank?
Firefish are excellent jumpers. An uncovered tank will almost certainly result in a carpet-surfing incident. Use a mesh lid or glass top and seal all openings, especially around equipment cords.
Can I keep firefish with clownfish?
Yes, this is an excellent pairing. Both species are reef-safe and generally ignore each other. The firefish may retreat if the clownfish is especially territorial near its host, but serious conflict is rare.
Articles connexes
- Guide du poisson-clown
- Poisson-clown et anémone hôte
- Guide du gramma royal
- Guide du gobie gardien jaune
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