Fire Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) Care Guide

A graceful, slender fish with a white-to-yellow body grading into a vibrant fire-red tail. Hovers above the substrate, flicking its elongated first dorsal ray.

Overview

Nemateleotris magnifica is a species in the family Ptereleotridae. A graceful, slender fish with a white-to-yellow body grading into a vibrant fire-red tail. Hovers above the substrate, flicking its elongated first dorsal ray. Peaceful and reef-safe, but an expert jumper — a tight-fitting lid is essential. Timid, best kept in pairs.

Taxonomy

Family: Ptereleotridae
Genus: Nemateleotris
Scientific name: Nemateleotris magnifica
Other names: Fire Dartfish, Red Fire Goby
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific from East Africa to the Hawaiian and Austral Islands. Hovers above coral rubble at the edge of reef slopes at depths of 6-70 m and retreats into a self-excavated burrow when threatened. Trade-name "fire goby" is also applied to Nemateleotris helfrichi and N. decora.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 7-9 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Royal Gramma, Blennies, Wrasses
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Other Dartfish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding difficulty: advanced