Helfrichi Firefish (Nemateleotris helfrichi) Care Guide

A stunning and highly prized dartfish with a lavender-purple body and a bright yellow forehead. One of the most beautiful and expensive nano reef fish.

Overview

Nemateleotris helfrichi is a species in the family Ptereleotridae. A stunning and highly prized dartfish with a lavender-purple body and a bright yellow forehead. One of the most beautiful and expensive nano reef fish. Shy and peaceful, requiring a calm environment and a tight lid to prevent jumping. Best kept in mated pairs.

Taxonomy

Family: Ptereleotridae
Genus: Nemateleotris
Scientific name: Nemateleotris helfrichi
Other names: Helfrich's Dartfish
Origin: Pacific Ocean

Habitat

Restricted to deeper reef slopes of the central Pacific from the Mariana Islands and Marshall Islands east to French Polynesia. Hovers above coral rubble at depths of 25-90 m; the deep-water habitat makes wild collection technically demanding and the species commands the highest prices among Nemateleotris.

Tank requirements

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

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
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