Firefish for the Marine Aquarium
Fishes from the Genus Nemateleotris in the Saltwater Tank
The Firefish is one of the most popular fish in the marine aquarium hobby, but what is a firefish? This article discusses the three most popular "Fire Gobies."
“I want a Firefish in my tank,” is a common statement uttered by new aquarists. Usually what the aquarist means is that he or she wants a Nemateleotris magnifica.N. magnifica is a goby and is sometimes called Fire Goby, Magnificent Dartfish or Fire Dartfish. Due to its small size (to three and a half inches), bold coloration, distinctive shape, hardiness, and telltale, elongate dorsal fin, this is an incredibly popular fish for a Nano tank (24 gallons and up) or any size peaceful community tank.
Firefishes are Gobies
Species from the genus Nemateleotris (one of four genera) are members of the Ptereleotridae family—commonly known as the Dartfishes. While members of this family of fishes can be found in freshwater, brackish water and saltwater, the majority are marine fishes that inhabit both tropical and subtropical ecosystems. N. magnifica is indigenous to shallow outer reef slopes throughout the Indo-Pacific from Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and ranging from roughly 30° north to 28°south. A fairly inexpensive fish ($10-$15 depending on size), N. magnifica is indeed appropriate for the beginning hobbyist.
Two Other Popular (and More Expensive) Firefish
In addition to N. magnifica, the much more expensive (and smaller—to two and one half inches) N. helfrichi is frequently seen in the hobby and can fetch up to $250 a fish. Helfrichi’s Firefish (also called Helfrich's Dartfish or Helfrich’s Firefish Dart Goby) is similar to N. magnifica but inhabits deeper water (frequently in excess of 40 meters) over a much smaller area—hence the higher price. Some aquarists also find the Helfrichi’s Firefish more aesthetically pleasing. Splitting the difference (from at least a price standpoint) is the third most popular species from the genus—N. decora. N. decora is usually offered for between $15 and $25 depending on the size.
Caring for Your Firefish
All three of these fish—N. magnifica, N. helfrichi and N. decora—require roughly the same care. None are particularly difficult fish to keep. They are timid fish and therefore should have plenty of cover including a sandy substrate (they will burrow) with a rubble zone and lots of live rock in which to “dart” when spooked. Only plan to keep one of these fish per twenty gallons of tank water, and do not mix species within the genus. If the tank is large enough, a pair or small group can be kept, although they should be introduced at the same time and should be watched closely. In the right environment, they will pair off into monogamous relationships.
Firefish Diet
These fish can readily be weaned to a captive diet (and may come to you this way), but some can be finicky and may require live food (try enriched Live Brine Shrimp). Raw table shrimp and other meaty marine foods will be appreciated. These fish will lose their magnificent coloration if their diet is lacking, and some aquarists, for this reason, use a specially prepared food such as the Blue Zoo Ultimate Reef Fish and Coral Diet (available from Blue Zoo Aquatics). In terms of feeding, make sure there is current in the aquarium, as these fish like to hold in the current just above the bottom and feed on food that comes to them.
Additional Resources
FishBase's List of Firefish from the Genus Nemateleotris
