Purple Dartfish Goby - Small

Fire Dartfish Gobys

Fire Dartfish Gobys are popular with aquarists. They are inexpensive, easy to take care of, and great to observe in an aquarium.

Body colouration is white, changing to orange/red at its’ rear and with a darker tail fin. It has a yellow face and an elongated dorsal fin behind the top of its’ head.

The Fire Dartfish Goby is a member of the Microdesmidae family, but up until 1986 classified as gobies and blennies.

Suitable for most aquariums, but is best suited to a reef environment.

It can show aggression to its’ own species but will live peacefully with a mate.

Reproduction very rarely occurs in captivity. We know that they spawn, and it's thought that they breed in monogamous pairs. Information about courtship, mating, and egg size is minimal.

When a Fire Dartfish Goby gets scared or startled, it tends to go into rocks or crevices and hide. This can happen when first introduced into a tank. Although they may disappear for a while, once they are more comfortable, they will start to appear again to feed.

Fire Dartfish Goby is native to the Indo-Pacific region in areas such as the East African coast, Indonesia, New Caledonia, and Micronesia.

This species is easy to look after and suitable for beginner aquarists. They do not need a large tank and eat most types of food.

Tank Recommendations for the Fire Dartfish Goby
Recommended tank size is at least 30 gallons (114 liters).

Fire Dartfish Goby is best suited to a reef environment, with plenty of hiding places. They also need substrate which is deep enough for them to bury into.

Their natural habitat is around a reef, feeding on planktonic animals.

You should have a tank cover, as these fish have a reputation for jumping out of the tank, especially when startled.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Fire Dartfish Gobys are docile and do not cause issues with other species apart from their own. This type of temperament can lead to larger more aggressive fish out competing them for food.

While not common, bigger fish may occasionally attempt to eat them.

Usually Compatible
Due to their peaceful temperament, Fire Dartfish Gobys are compatible with a wide range of fish. Suitable examples include Dwarf Angels, Anthias, Chromis, Dragonets, Foxface/Rabbits, Hawkfish, Tangs/Surgeon, and reef-safe Wrasse.

Sometime Compatible
They should be the only member of their species in the tank unless they are with a mate. Groups of Fire Dartfish Goby will usually kill each other off in an aquarium environment. Caution is also advised with Large Angels, Basslets, Batfish, Damsels, Filefish, Grunts/Sweetlips, Parrots, Squirrels, and Wrasse in a Fish Only tank.

Rarely Compatible
Avoid Larger aggressive fish such as Anglers/Frogs, Eels, Groupers, Lions/Scorpions, Sharks/Rays, and Triggers as they may try to eat them.

Feeding Your Fire Dartfish Goby
Fire Dartfish Goby are carnivores. They will consume algae and zooplankton in the aquarium and you should feed a variety of fresh and frozen meaty food.

Chopped seafood, mysis shrimp, and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp are a good choice. They can also eat small crustaceans and flake food. Feeding them 2-3 times per day is best.