{"title":"Dartfish","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"firefish","title":"Firefish | Nemateleotris magnifica","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Firefish, sometimes called the Fire Goby or Magnificent Firefish, is a small, elegant dartfish with a pale body that flushes into a fiery orange-red rear, topped by a tall, flickering first dorsal fin. Reaching only around 8 cm, it is peaceful, hardy and full of character, making it one of the most popular nano and community reef fish available. A tight-fitting lid is important, as it will bolt and jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is found across the Indo-Pacific, hovering just above the substrate on the edges of reefs and rubble slopes, facing into the current to pick plankton from the water. It shelters in burrows and holes in the rock or sand and darts inside at the first sign of danger. In the aquarium it wants a mature system with live rock, a sandy bed and plenty of small crevices to use as bolt-holes, along with gentle to moderate flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe front of the body is pearly white to pale yellow, transitioning to a vivid orange and red toward the tail, and the elongated first dorsal fin flicks up and down almost constantly as a signalling and display feature. It is a slender, streamlined fish that hovers rather than cruises. A healthy specimen holds its fins erect, hovers confidently in the water and feeds readily, while a fish that hides constantly may simply need more cover and calmer tank mates to settle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is peaceful and slightly shy. Firefish coexist happily with other calm community fish and are completely reef safe, posing no threat to corals or invertebrates. They can be territorial toward their own kind in smaller tanks, so keep singly unless the aquarium is large enough to house a bonded pair or group with individual bolt-holes. Avoid boisterous or aggressive tank mates that will intimidate them and keep them hiding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a micro-carnivore that feeds on zooplankton in the wild. Offer frequent small feedings of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and finely chopped seafood, plus a small quality marine pellet or flake. Several small feeds a day suit its natural plankton-picking style and keep it in good condition. A mature reef with live rock and natural pods provides useful supplementary food.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum of around 75 L, with 100 L or larger recommended for long-term comfort, especially in a busy community. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Gentle to moderate flow, good filtration and stable water quality suit it well. Plenty of rockwork with small holes gives it the security it needs. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as Firefish are prone to jumping when alarmed. This is a hardy fish, suitable for beginners to intermediate keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding is uncommon but has occurred in aquariums. Firefish can form pairs and may spawn in burrows, but the tiny pelagic larvae are very difficult to rear without specialised planktonic foods and dedicated facilities. For most keepers the reward is a settled, confident pair or individual displaying naturally rather than raising fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNemateleotris magnifica\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirefish (Fire Goby, Magnificent Firefish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific reefs and rubble slopes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–5 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful and shy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner to intermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicro-carnivore; frozen mysis, brine, copepods and small pellets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNano, community and reef aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include other peaceful fish such as clownfish, small gobies, cardinalfish, flasher and fairy wrasses, dwarf angels and most reef-safe community species, along with corals and invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with aggressive or boisterous fish that will intimidate it, larger predators that may eat it, and multiple Firefish together in smaller tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55234129527075,"sku":"AA1346","price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55234129559843,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Firegoby_Nemateleotris_magnifica_dd7c444a-376a-4e22-995b-a4e3ce6b2362.jpg?v=1781681310"},{"product_id":"blue-gudgeon-dartfish","title":"Blue Gudgeon Dartfish | Ptereleotris heteroptera","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Gudgeon Dartfish is a slender, shimmering blue-grey fish that hovers just above the sand and rock, constantly picking food from the water column. Peaceful, reef safe and hardy, it suits reef aquariums of many sizes and is happiest kept in small groups. Keep a tight-fitting lid, as dartfish are quick to jump when startled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, the Blue Gudgeon Dartfish is associated with sandy areas near Indo-Pacific reefs, where it hovers over burrows in the substrate and darts into them for shelter. It picks zooplankton from the current above the sand. Replicating this environment means providing an open sand bed with nearby rockwork for shelter, moderate flow and open water for hovering. A calm setting and secure retreats help it settle and feed confidently.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Gudgeon Dartfish has a long, slim, pale blue to blue-grey body with a subtle dark marking near the tail and constantly flicking fins. It reaches around 12–13 cm. Its endless hovering and gentle colour make it an elegant addition to the water column. Healthy specimens hover actively, feed readily and are well-filled through the body, without clamped fins or a pinched appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is best described as peaceful and slightly timid. It is safe with corals and ornamental invertebrates and gets along with almost all peaceful tank mates. Suitable companions include clownfish, small gobies, chromis, fairy and flasher wrasses, anthias and other calm reef fish. It can be kept singly or, better, in a small group in a larger tank. Avoid aggressive or boisterous fish that will intimidate it and keep it hiding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed as a carnivore and planktivore. Offer frequent small feeds of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods and other small meaty marine foods, plus fine marine pellets and flakes once accepted. It naturally picks food from the water column, so foods that stay suspended are readily taken. Small feeds once or twice daily keep it in good condition. New arrivals usually settle quickly in a calm tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor long-term success, provide a minimum aquarium size of 110 L, with larger tanks better for a small group. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Moderate flow suits it. Lighting can be standard reef lighting. Provide an open sand bed with nearby rockwork and burrows for shelter. Strong filtration, protein skimming and regular water changes of 10–20% are recommended. A tight-fitting lid is essential, as this dartfish is a ready jumper, especially when startled or newly added.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding in the home aquarium is uncommon. Dartfish are pelagic spawners whose delicate larvae require specialised planktonic rearing beyond normal home aquarium keeping. Pairs may form and occupy a shared burrow in captivity, but rearing young in a display aquarium is not expected. For most keepers the focus should be on a calm tank, steady feeding and suitable peaceful tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePtereleotris heteroptera\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlue Gudgeon Dartfish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific sandy areas near reefs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12–13 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–5 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful and slightly timid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEasy to intermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarger for a small group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore\/planktivore; small meaty foods, fine pellets and flakes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef and peaceful marine community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include clownfish, small gobies, chromis, fairy and flasher wrasses, anthias, dartfish and other peaceful reef fish, along with corals and ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with aggressive or boisterous fish that will intimidate it, large predators that may eat it, and open-top tanks without a secure lid.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55234134737187,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55234134769955,"sku":"AA2378","price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55234134802723,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Blue_Gudgeon_Dartfish_Ptereleotris_heteroptera_89925584-65f3-4982-84fc-57d3ef8fd71c.jpg?v=1781681309"},{"product_id":"two-tone-dartfish","title":"Two Tone Dartfish | Ptereleotris evides","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Two Tone Dartfish, also known as the Blackfin or Scissortail Dartfish, is an elegant, active swimmer that hovers in the current and flicks its forked tail. Pale grey at the front and dark towards the rear, it is a peaceful, reef-safe fish that looks its best kept in a small group. Reaching around 14 cm, it suits established reef aquariums with a secure lid.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis dartfish is found across the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific on rubble and sand near reef edges, where it hovers above its burrow and darts down for shelter. Recreating this means providing a few centimetres of sand for burrowing, live rock for cover and open water for swimming. It is a strong jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is elongate and two-toned, pale bluish-grey over the head and forebody grading to dark charcoal or black at the rear, with fine blue markings on the face and tall, banner-like fins. A healthy specimen hovers confidently in the water column with erect fins, showing clear eyes and a full body.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eTemperament is peaceful. It is highly social and far more confident and visible when kept in a group of three or more, though single fish do settle in time. It is easily bullied by aggressive fish, so it needs calm companions. It ignores corals and invertebrates entirely.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeeding is straightforward. As a zooplankton feeder it takes mysis, enriched brine, copepods, finely chopped seafood and quality frozen and pellet foods from the water column. Feed a couple of small meals a day to keep it well conditioned and out in the open.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum aquarium of 115 L for a small group, with a sand bed for burrowing and a secure, gap-free lid. Maintain temperature at 24–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. Stable water quality and calm tankmates keep this dartfish relaxed and visible. This species is fully reef safe and poses no threat to corals, clams or invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding is not commonly achieved in the home aquarium. Dartfish pair in burrows and are pelagic spawners, with tiny larvae drifting as plankton, which is difficult to raise at home. For hobbyists, the focus should be on a settled group, good feeding and low stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePtereleotris evides\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTwo Tone Dartfish (Blackfin \/ Scissortail Dartfish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndian Ocean and Western Pacific reefs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 14 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–5 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful; best in a group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e115 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 L or larger for a group\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore; mysis, enriched brine, copepods and finely chopped seafood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–26°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEstablished reef aquariums with a tight lid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include clownfish, firefish, other dartfish, small gobies, chromis, anthias and peaceful wrasses in a calm, established aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with aggressive fish such as dottybacks, hawkfish, larger wrasses and territorial damsels that will bully this peaceful dartfish, and with large predators that may eat it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55234135785763,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55234135818531,"sku":"BA8267","price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55234135851299,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Two_Tone_Dartfish_Ptereleotris_evides_4492d4e6-468b-40fb-8e01-f380a7639738.jpg?v=1781681380"},{"product_id":"green-silk-dartfish","title":"Green Silk Dartfish | Ptereleotris microlepis","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Green Silk Dartfish is a slender, peaceful reef fish that hovers just above the sand, darting into a burrow at the first sign of trouble. Its soft green sheen and constant, twitchy energy make it a lovely addition to a calm reef. It stays small, reaching around 13 cm, and does best kept singly, as a bonded pair, or in a small group added together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is found across the Indo-Pacific on sheltered reef flats, lagoons and sandy slopes, usually hovering in open water close to the substrate. It lives over sand and rubble bottoms near reef structure, retreating into burrows it shares with other dartfish or with pistol shrimp. In the aquarium it appreciates a mature system with a soft sand bed, some rubble and rockwork it can bolt into, and a healthy population of tiny live foods drifting in the water column.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe body is elongated and torpedo-shaped, coloured a pale silvery-green that shimmers under aquarium lighting, with fine markings around the face and fins. The dorsal fins are held erect when the fish is confident and flicked constantly as it feeds. Healthy specimens should appear alert and well-fed, hovering in the current rather than hiding, with clear eyes and undamaged fins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Green Silk Dartfish is genuinely peaceful and a little shy, especially when first introduced. It mixes well with other calm reef fish such as small gobies, firefish, cardinalfish, assessors and fairy wrasses. It may squabble mildly with its own kind unless kept as a pair or introduced as a group into a larger tank. Avoid housing it with aggressive or predatory fish, which will bully it or eat it outright.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a micro-carnivore that feeds on zooplankton drifting past its perch. Offer a varied diet of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped meaty foods and small marine pellets. Feed small amounts two to three times daily, as this active little fish burns energy quickly. New arrivals may be tentative, so a mature tank with live copepods helps them settle and feed strongly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eProvide a minimum aquarium of 100 L, with 150 L or larger recommended for a pair or small group. Maintain temperature at 24–27°C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity around 1.020–1.026. A soft sand bed for burrowing and a tight-fitting lid are essential, as dartfish are champion jumpers and are easily lost through small gaps. Moderate flow and stable, well-filtered water suit this species best.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eGreen Silk Dartfish have not been bred routinely in home aquariums. They are believed to pair and spawn in or near their burrows, with pelagic larvae that require specialised planktonic feeding well beyond typical hobby conditions. For most keepers the aim is a healthy, settled fish rather than captive breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePtereleotris microlepis\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreen Silk Dartfish (Pearly Dartfish, Blue Gudgeon)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIndo-Pacific reef flats, lagoons and sandy slopes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e13 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–5 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 L or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMicro-carnivore; frozen mysis, brine, copepods and small pellets\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable for marine fish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.020–1.026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful reef and community marine aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSuitable tank mates include small gobies, firefish, cardinalfish, assessors, fairy wrasses, dwarf angels and other peaceful reef fish, along with corals and most ornamental invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAvoid keeping with aggressive or territorial fish, larger wrasses, groupers, lionfish and any predator large enough to view this slender dartfish as a meal.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55234141782307,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55234141815075,"sku":"BA8410","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55234141847843,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Green_Silk_Dartfish_Ptereleotris_microlepis_df0e7f68-c6d9-4f34-8fcf-932d6e8498ba.jpg?v=1781681376"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/collections\/Blue_Gudgeon_Dartfish_Ptereleotris_heteroptera_89925584-65f3-4982-84fc-57d3ef8fd71c.jpg?v=1786685712","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/collections\/dartfish.oembed","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}