Dartfish · Gobiidae
Care levelBeginner
Firefish
Nemateleotris magnifica
A slender white fish with a warm red-orange rear half and an elegant raised dorsal fin. It hovers near a safe retreat and does best with calm tank mates.
Peaceful and small, but jumping and feeding competition need attention.
Recommendation
Would you recommend this fish for a suitable saltwater aquarium?
20+ galRecommended tank
3 inchesAdult size
Peaceful / shyTemperament
Generally compatibleCoral safety
+ Why you’ll love them
- Small adult size suits a carefully planned reef.
- Peaceful around suitable community fish.
- Generally safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates.
! Things to consider
- A tight-fitting lid is essential because it can jump.
- Shy fish can lose out at feeding time.
- Keep singly or as an established pair; unrelated individuals may fight.
- Provide crevices to retreat into when startled.
Tank and habitat
- Recommended volume
- 20 US gallons or larger; allow for stocking and layout.
- Full-grown size
- 3 inches (maximum adult size)
- Tank footprint and swimming space
- Allow hovering space beside a safe retreat; avoid crowded layouts.
- Tank maturity
-
1 month recommended
Fully cycled, stable aquarium. Suggested tank age is a planning guide, not proof of readiness. Complete cycling, stable water and the right food supply are essential. - Habitat and equipment
- A tight lid with covered gaps, rock crevices and moderate flow with sheltered areas.
Care and compatibility
- Temperament
- Peaceful / shy
- Why this care level
- Peaceful and small, but jumping and feeding competition need attention.
- Suitable tank mates and conflicts
- Calm community fish; avoid aggressive wrasses and other persistent chasers.
- Alone, pair or group
- Keep one or an established pair; unrelated individuals can fight.
Corals and invertebrates
- Coral safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally coral safe. - Shrimp safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible with ornamental shrimp. - Snail safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible. - Clam safety
-
Generally compatible
Generally compatible.
Food and feeding
- Diet
- Carnivore; finely sized marine foods
- Feeding plan
- Offer small, appropriately sized meaty foods and check that it gets its share.
- Prepared or live food
- Fine frozen marine foods and accepted small pellets; verify feeding.
Water conditions
- Temperature
- 72-78 F (22-26 C); keep temperature stable.
- Specific gravity
- 1.020-1.025 specific gravity in the species care guidance; also meet your corals' needs.
- pH
- 8.1-8.4, with stable daily conditions.
Long-term care
- Lifespan
- A reliable typical captive lifespan is not established in the linked references. Plan for several years of care.
- Growth and future planning
- Small adult size does not remove the need for safe space away from bullies.
Before you buy
- Is this fish right for your tank?
- Fit a secure lid before purchase and choose calm tank mates that will not monopolize food.
- Buying checklist
- Ask to see it eat; check its condition and plan quarantine.
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