Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) Care Guide

A strikingly beautiful marine fish with a white to pale yellow front body transitioning to a fiery red-orange tail. Known for its elongated first dorsal spine that it flicks up and down.

Overview

Nemateleotris magnifica is a species in the family Gobiidae. A strikingly beautiful marine fish with a white to pale yellow front body transitioning to a fiery red-orange tail. Known for its elongated first dorsal spine that it flicks up and down. Shy and peaceful, it needs a burrow to retreat to and a tight-fitting lid.

Taxonomy

Family: Gobiidae
Genus: Nemateleotris
Scientific name: Nemateleotris magnifica
Other names: Firefish, Fire Dartfish
Origin: Indo-Pacific

Habitat

Widely distributed across the tropical Indo-Pacific from East Africa and the Red Sea to the Hawaiian, Marquesan and Austral Islands. Hovers above coral rubble and sand at the edge of reef slopes at depths of 6-70 m, retreating into burrows when threatened.

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: 5-8 cm
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as omnivore. 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, Blue Chromis, Royal Gramma, Banggai Cardinalfish
Avoid with: Aggressive Fish, Other Firefish

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 strategy: egg-depositor
Breeding difficulty: advanced