Fire Fish

Fire Fish Goby - Classic Beauty and Graceful Elegance

The Fire Fish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica), also known as the Firefish or Fire Dartfish, is one of the most popular and beloved fish in the marine aquarium hobby. With its stunning tri-color pattern of white, yellow, and fiery red-orange, elongated dorsal fin, and elegant hovering behavior, this captivating fish brings exceptional beauty and peaceful charm to any reef aquarium. The Firefish is a true classic that has delighted reef keepers for decades with its graceful movements and vibrant coloration.

Key Features:

• Stunning Tri-Color Pattern: Beautiful white front, yellow middle, and fiery red-orange rear
• Elegant Dorsal Fin: Long, flowing first dorsal spine that's constantly displayed
• Graceful Hovering: Hovers in the water column with gentle, deliberate movements
• Peaceful Temperament: Extremely peaceful with all tank mates
• Reef Safe: Completely safe with all corals and invertebrates
• Nano Reef Suitable: Small size makes it perfect for smaller aquariums
• Beginner Friendly: Hardy and easy to care for, ideal for new reef keepers

Care Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons; perfect for nano reefs
Diet: Carnivore - readily accepts frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality pellets
Temperament: Peaceful; can be kept in pairs in larger tanks
Reef Compatibility: Excellent - will not harm corals or invertebrates
Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced - suitable for all skill levels
Adult Size: 3-4 inches maximum

Beautiful Tri-Color Pattern:

The Fire Fish Goby displays one of the most recognizable and beloved color patterns in the marine aquarium hobby:

• Front third of body is bright white to cream
• Middle section is vibrant yellow to golden
• Rear third and tail are fiery red-orange to crimson
• Sharp color transitions create a striking tri-color effect
• Long dorsal spine displays matching gradient coloration
• Colors appear even more vibrant under actinic lighting
• Well-fed specimens display the most intense coloration

Elegant Behavior:

Firefish are graceful hoverers that spend most of their time suspended in the water column near caves or overhangs. They hover with gentle, deliberate movements, constantly displaying their elongated dorsal fin like a flag. When startled, they quickly dart backward into their chosen cave or crevice, only to reemerge moments later. This elegant behavior is mesmerizing to watch and adds a sense of calm, graceful movement to your aquarium.

Perfect for Nano Reefs:

The Firefish's small adult size (3-4 inches) makes it an ideal choice for nano reef aquariums. In tanks as small as 20 gallons, this fish can thrive and become a stunning centerpiece. They don't require large swimming spaces and are comfortable in smaller systems with adequate rockwork and hiding spots. Their peaceful nature and manageable size make them one of the best fish choices for nano reef enthusiasts.

Feeding:

Firefish are easy to feed and readily accept a variety of foods. Offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality carnivore pellets 1-2 times daily. They have small mouths, so ensure food is appropriately sized. A varied diet maintains their vibrant tri-color pattern and supports optimal health. These fish are active feeders and will eagerly compete for food during feeding time.

Pairing Considerations:

Firefish can be kept in pairs in tanks 30+ gallons, making them one of the few dartfish species that tolerate conspecifics well. Pairs often hover together near their shared cave, creating a beautiful display. If keeping a pair, introduce both fish simultaneously to minimize territorial disputes. Bonded pairs may spawn in captivity, rising together in the water column to release eggs and sperm.

Compatibility:

Firefish are among the most peaceful fish available and can be kept with virtually any tank mates, including:

• Other peaceful dartfish and firefish (including their own species in pairs)
• Clownfish, gobies, blennies, and other peaceful community fish
• All types of corals, including delicate soft corals and LPS
• Shrimp, crabs, snails, and all invertebrates

Avoid housing with aggressive fish or large predators. Their shy nature and small size make them vulnerable to harassment from aggressive species.

Tank Setup:

Provide plenty of caves, overhangs, and hiding spots where the Firefish can retreat when startled. They'll establish a favorite cave and spend most of their time hovering near its entrance. Moderate to low lighting is preferred, though they'll adapt to brighter systems. Gentle to moderate water flow is ideal. A secure lid is essential, as dartfish are accomplished jumpers and will jump if startled or if water quality deteriorates.

Jumping Prevention - Critical:

Firefish are excellent jumpers and WILL jump out of open aquariums. A tight-fitting lid with no gaps is absolutely essential. Even small openings can be escape routes. This is one of the most common causes of loss with dartfish species. Ensure all openings are covered, especially during the acclimation period when jumping risk is highest.

Shy Nature:

Firefish can be shy, especially when first introduced or if housed with aggressive tank mates. They may spend more time hiding initially but will become bolder as they acclimate and feel secure. Keeping them in pairs, providing plenty of hiding spots, and housing them with peaceful tank mates all help build their confidence. Once comfortable, they'll spend most of their time hovering openly near their cave.

Why Firefish Are So Popular:

The Firefish has been a staple of the marine aquarium hobby for decades because it offers:

• Stunning tri-color pattern that's instantly recognizable
• Small size perfect for nano reefs and smaller systems
• Peaceful temperament compatible with virtually all tank mates
• Hardy and beginner-friendly nature
• Graceful, elegant behavior that's mesmerizing to watch
• Affordable price point for the beauty provided
• Can be kept in pairs for added visual interest

Acclimation:

Take extra care during acclimation, using a slow drip method over 1-2 hours. Firefish can be sensitive to rapid changes in water parameters. Dim the lights during acclimation and for the first day to reduce stress. Ensure the lid is secure before beginning acclimation, as stressed fish are more likely to jump.

Captive-Bred Advantage:

Our Firefish are captive-bred when available, ensuring superior health, disease resistance, and adaptability to aquarium conditions. Captive breeding also protects wild reef populations while providing you with a hardier, more resilient fish that's already acclimated to prepared foods and aquarium life.

Our Fire Fish Gobies are carefully selected, quarantined, and eating well before shipment. Each fish is backed by our live arrival guarantee, ensuring your classic firefish arrives healthy and ready to bring its timeless tri-color beauty and graceful elegance to your reef aquarium.