🔥 Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)

The Firefish Goby, also called the Fire Dartfish, is a stunning beginner fish with a white/yellow body that transitions to a fiery red-orange tail. Known for hovering motionless in the water column before darting into hiding, this peaceful fish is perfect for reef aquariums of all sizes.

📋 Quick Facts

⚠️ Important Considerations

• Jumpers! - Secure lid absolutely required
• Shy fish - Can be bullied by aggressive tankmates
• Need hiding spots - Will be stressed without burrows

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 20 gallons minimum
• Lid: SECURE - notorious jumpers
• Burrows: Need tube or cave to retreat to
• Peaceful tankmates: Stressed by aggressive fish

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Carnivores that accept most small foods.

• Frozen mysis - Favorite
• Frozen brine
• Quality pellets
• Cyclops

Feed 2-3 times daily. May be shy feeders initially.

🐟 Compatibility

Good Tankmates

• Clownfish
• Other gobies (with caution)
• Blennies
• Royal Gramma
• Peaceful community fish

Avoid

• Aggressive fish - Will terrorize firefish
• Six Line Wrasse - Known to bully them
• Dottybacks - Too aggressive

👫 Keeping Multiples

• Can be kept in pairs or small groups
• Buy at same time, similar size
• May establish hierarchy
• Watch for aggression in small tanks

💡 Tips for Success

• Secure your lid - #1 cause of death is jumping
• Provide tube or cave for retreat
• Add before aggressive fish
• Keep with peaceful tankmates only
• Don't panic if hiding at first - normal adjustment

📚 Summary

The Firefish is a beautiful, peaceful addition to reef tanks. Its main requirements are a secure lid (they jump when startled) and peaceful tankmates (they're easily bullied). With these conditions met, they're hardy and long-lived. Their hovering behavior and fiery colors make them a standout in any reef aquarium.